Disgraced former Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) has been hit with a lifelong ban from holding public office in New Jersey following his conviction on federal bribery and corruption charges, the state’s attorney general announced.
Memendez was jailed after he was caught taking bribes, including cash, gold bars, and luxury gifts.
The ruling, issued by New Jersey Superior Court Judge Robert Lougy, bars Menendez from any position of public trust within the state.
The decision follows his 11-year federal prison sentence handed down in January.
Menendez, once one of the most powerful Democrats in Washington, D.C., as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, was convicted in July 2024 on 16 counts, including bribery, extortion, conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and acting as a foreign agent.
He is the first U.S. senator in history convicted of serving as an agent for a foreign government.
New Jersey AG: Public Trust Requires Consequences
In a statement, New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin said:
“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…
“We hope the court’s decision sends a message that it is not acceptable, and it will carry consequences.”
If Menendez ever attempts to seek public office or government employment, he will face a fourth-degree contempt-of-court charge.
Details of the Bribery Scheme
Federal prosecutors said Menendez and his wife, Nadine Menendez, accepted bribes between 2018 and 2022, including gold bars, cash, a luxury Mercedes convertible, home furnishings, and other valuable gifts.
Nadine Menendez was also accused of receiving paychecks for a nonexistent job.
In return, prosecutors said Menendez used his Senate position to benefit the individuals providing the bribes and to advance the interests of foreign governments, most notably Egypt, by taking a series of official actions favorable to them.
The indictment followed a plea deal from co-defendant Jose Uribe, who allegedly supplied the Mercedes convertible and later cooperated with investigators.
Menendez Maintains Innocence, Calls System “Corrupted”
Menendez has continued to claim he was targeted for political reasons.
At his sentencing, he told reporters:
“I hope President [Donald] Trump cleans up the cesspool and restores the integrity to the system.”
A Historic Fall
The penalties officially end Menendez’s political career in New Jersey and cement his place in history as the highest-profile American lawmaker ever convicted of acting on behalf of a foreign government.
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