October 03, 2023: On Thursday, Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey reaffirmed is remaining in the Senate, despite fellow Democrats calling for his resignation following a federal bribery charge. Speaking to reporters following a closed-door meeting with the Senate Democratic caucus at the U.S. Capitol, Menendez stated that he would continue to represent the people of New Jersey, a role he has held for 18 years.

Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, the first Democrat to call for Menendez’s resignation, maintained his stance before the meeting, expressing little interest in hearing Menendez’s explanation.

Twenty-nine other senators have joined Fetterman in seeking Menendez’s resignation and chose not to attend the meeting, asserting that Menendez should decide to resign for an honorable exit.

During the meeting, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer asked the three Democratic senators serving on the Ethics Committee, Chris Coons of Delaware, Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, and Brian Schatz of Hawaii, to leave the room, as reported by a source.

However, other Democratic leaders remained present, including Majority Whip Dick Durbin, Senate President pro tempore Patty Murray, and Debbie Stabenow of Michigan.

Several House Democrats have also called for Menendez’s resignation, including Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California.

Jeffries emphasized that Menendez’s fate would ultimately be determined by a jury of his peers and expressed doubts about his ability to effectively represent the people of New Jersey at this time.

Menendez, aged 69, faces charges in Manhattan federal court, including conspiracy to commit bribery, along with his wife Nadine and three New Jersey business individuals.