Bob Menendez Permanently Barred From Holding New Jersey Public Office After Bribery Conviction

Former U.S. Senator Barred From State And Local Office

A New Jersey superior court has permanently disqualified former U.S. senator Bob Menendez from seeking or holding any state or local public office after his federal conviction on corruption charges, state officials said.

On Friday, Judge Robert Lougy issued an order banning Menendez from "any position of honor, trust, or profit in state or local government," Attorney General Matt Platkin said in a statement. Platkin warned that Menendez could face a fourth-degree contempt charge if he "applies for public office or employment or takes any steps to campaign, run for or be appointed" to such a position.

"Critical to preserving the public’s faith and trust in government institutions is ensuring that elected officials who commit crimes involving their offices don’t find new opportunities to regain positions of power," Platkin said. "Too many people in New Jersey have a cynical viewpoint that corruption is a routine, widespread feature of our politics. We hope the court’s decision sends a message that it is not acceptable and it will carry consequences."

Conviction, Sentence And Allegations

Menendez began serving an 11-year federal prison sentence in June after a jury convicted him of accepting bribes and acting as an agent of Egypt. Prosecutors said the longtime New Jersey Democrat accepted cash, gold and other benefits in exchange for using his influence to protect business associates from criminal investigations, assist them with overseas deals and help secure foreign aid.

Among the allegations were meetings with Egyptian intelligence officials and assistance that helped Egypt obtain roughly $300 million in U.S. military assistance. Investigators also reported finding about $480,000 in cash inside Menendez's home, including in boots and jacket pockets, as well as approximately $150,000 in gold bars and a luxury convertible stored in his garage.

Menendez resigned from the U.S. Senate in August 2024, about a month after his conviction. He had served in the Senate since 2006 and previously chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. His political career began on the Union City board of education in 1974; he later served as Union City mayor, a New Jersey assembly member and a U.S. House representative.

Family And Legal Aftermath

Menendez’s wife, Nadine, was also convicted of selling her husband’s influence and was sentenced in September to four and a half years in prison. Menendez, 71, has maintained his innocence and reported to prison shortly after a federal appeals court denied his request to remain free on bail while he sought to challenge the conviction.

After his sentencing in January, Menendez called the process political and criticized the justice system, saying he hoped President Donald Trump would "clean up the cesspool and restore ... integrity to the system." He has publicly sought a pardon.

Note: Reporting contributed by The Associated Press.