US Representative Andy Kim will officially join the U.S. Senate before the end of the year.
After Sen. Bob Menendez (R-N.J.) conceded earlier this year to clamorous calls for his resignation following a bribery conviction, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy temporarily filled his former aide George Helmy’s vacancy until the winner was selected for the November elections.
Helmy announced Tuesday that he plans to resign on Sunday, just days after the U.S. Senate election results were announced on Thursday. Murphy plans to appoint Kim on Monday, the day after Helmy’s resignation.
The governor said that with the nomination, he plans to give Kim “the smoothest transition to office.”
Joining the chamber before the fresh session begins in January, Kim will have more seniority than 10 other incoming freshman senators – argument for Kim’s nomination replace Menendez earlier this year. However, it is unclear whether this will have an impact on the tasks of Kim’s commission.
Kim, whose South Jersey district centers on Burlington County, defeated Republican hotelier Curtis Bashaw from Cape May in the November elections by almost 10 percentage points. Before winning the Democratic primary, he ran against first lady Tammy Murphy, the governor’s wife, until she dropped out, citing the divisive competition.
Murphy chose Helmy for the position before Menendez resigned in August, and the short-term senator was sworn in on September 9.
According to his office, Helmy served on various committees and introduced and co-authored more than 30 bills. He has advocated for youth mental health, as well as providing humanitarian aid to Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon.
“Looking back on my 85 days in this office, I am proud of the work my team and I have accomplished,” he said in a statement. “…I will remember this time with great fondness.”
Helmy said he has been working closely with Kim since his election victory to facilitate a polished transition.
“I have known him for almost a decade and I can attest to Senator Kim’s great dedication, character and empathy for the people of New Jersey,” Helmy said. “… I look forward to witnessing what he accomplishes in this senior position.”
Kim said in a statement that he plans to continue to focus on the mental health crisis among youthful people, which Helmy set out to address.
“Senator Helmy has served New Jersey many times throughout his career, and we are grateful for his willingness to do so again in our time of need,” Kim said. “His term in the Senate was characterized by dedication and stability.[…]I thank Senator Helmy for his friendship and service.”
