New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has announced the appointment of George Helmy, his former chief of staff, to temporarily fill the Senate seat being vacated by Bob Menendez.
According to NBC News, Helmy served as Murphy's chief of staff from 2019 to 2023 before taking a position with a major healthcare company in New Jersey.
Governor Murphy expressed confidence in Helmy's ability to step into the role, citing his familiarity with Senate operations and experience working for current and former New Jersey senators.
Prior to his tenure in the governor's office, Helmy held various positions in Senator Cory Booker's office, including that of state director. He also gained experience in the private sector and served as an aide to the late Senator Frank Lautenberg.
Governor Murphy emphasized Helmy's understanding of Senate operations and his expertise in constituent service. This experience is expected to be particularly valuable as the presidential election approaches and the Senate enters its fall recess.
Helmy is scheduled to be sworn in on September 9 when the Senate reconvenes from its summer recess. He will hold the office temporarily until New Jersey voters elect their next senator in the November general election.
The temporary nature of Helmy's appointment is significant, as New Jersey voters will have the opportunity to elect their next senator to a full six-year term in the November general election. Democratic Representative Andy Kim and Republican Curtis Bashaw are set to face off in this contest.
Representative Kim expressed support for Helmy's appointment, praising his knowledge of Senate operations and his ability to immediately begin delivering services for the state. Kim stated that he looks forward to working with Helmy in the Capitol. The New Jersey Division of Elections has confirmed that Menendez has removed himself from the ballot for the upcoming election.
Governor Murphy provided the following statement regarding Helmy's appointment:
George is the ideal leader to take on this role. George understands on a very fundamental level how a U.S. Senate office operates, and he will be ready to run this office from moment one, and he will bring to this office firsthand expertise in providing the best possible constituent service to families. That expertise will be especially relevant over the next few months as the presidential election rapidly approaches and as the Senate will be in recess as a result for much of the fall.
Murphy also commented on Menendez's departure, describing it as a "tragic ending to a long and largely productive career in public service." While acknowledging Menendez's accomplishments on behalf of New Jersey residents, Murphy expressed disappointment in the senator's actions, stating that he will be remembered for prioritizing his own interests over those of the public.
In accepting the appointment, Helmy outlined his priorities for the position:
Our residents deserve a functioning Senate office upon which they can call for help. Our nonprofits and local governments deserve an office that will fight for them for their grants and support them in navigating the arcane maze of federal agencies, and, yes, New Jersey deserves its full voice and representation on the floor of the United States Senate.
Helmy's statement emphasizes his commitment to serving New Jersey residents and ensuring the state's interests are represented in the Senate during his temporary tenure.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has appointed George Helmy, his former chief of staff, to temporarily fill the Senate seat being vacated by Bob Menendez. Helmy, with his extensive experience in Senate operations and New Jersey politics, will serve until the November general election. The appointment comes in the wake of Menendez's resignation following his conviction on corruption charges. Helmy is set to be sworn in on September 9, with a focus on providing constituent services and representing New Jersey's interests in the Senate.
