Multiple Democrat lawmakers call on Sen. Menendez to resign following guilty verdict

Embattled Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) was already having a very bad year after being indicted on serious bribery-related charges along with his wife and a business partner.

But his streak of bad luck became much worse this week after a jury returned a guilty verdict regarding all of the charges he faced, and now his own party wants him out of Congress.

According to Fox News, while there were some Democrats who had the courage to call on him to step down months ago, additional Democrats -- including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) -- now want him out, with a threat of expulsion if he doesn't do it voluntarily.

The growing calls came shortly after Menendez was found guilty on all charges in his New York corruption trial.

Fox News noted:

Menendez was ultimately found guilty on 16 felony counts by the 12-person jury. The charges against him included extortion, bribery, conspiracy, obstruction of justice, wire fraud, as well as acting as a foreign agent.

Schumer's statement was somewhat toned down compared to those of many other high-profile Senate Democrats, but he nonetheless made the request for Menendez to step down in light of recent events.

"In light of this guilty verdict, Senator Menendez must now do what is right for his constituents, the Senate, and our country, and resign," Schumer's statement read.

In light of this guilty verdict, Senator Menendez must now do what is right for his constituents, the Senate, and our country, and resign.

— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) July 16, 2024

Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) also released a statement calling on his colleague to do the right thing now that the verdict is in.

"As Leader Schumer appropriately said, Senator Menendez should do what is right for his constituents, the Senate, and our country, and resign," Durbin's statement read.

Even New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) suggested Menendez resign from office immediately, calling on the Senate to "expel" him should he refuse the growing number of calls.

"I reiterate my call for Senator Menendez to resign immediately after being found guilty of endangering national security and the integrity of our criminal justice system," Murphy said. "In the event of a vacancy, I will exercise my duty to make a temporary appointment to ensure the people of New Jersey have the representation they deserve."

Fox News noted other senators who have called for Menendez to call it quits included "Sens. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Gary Peters, D-Mich., Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., Tina Smith, D-Minn., and Laphonza Butler, D-Calif.."

In a late-breaking NBC News report, Menendez has reportedly informed his colleagues that he will, in fact, resign in the wake of the guilty verdict.