Menendez, 69, called the charges “baseless allegations” and said prosecutors “have misrepresented the normal work of a Congressional office.” Numerous New Jersey Democrats have pushed for him to resign, including Gov. Phil Murphy.
Christie, a GOP presidential candidate, found himself once again discussing Menendez’s legal troubles Sunday. Menendez was indicted in 2015 when Christie was governor of New Jersey, and in 2006, Christie investigated Menendez when he was U.S. Attorney for New Jersey.
Christie posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Saturday that Menendez should resign.
Rep. Andy Kim (D-N.J.) said Saturday he would run against Menendez, who is up for reelection in 2024. When asked by “Meet the Press” host Kristen Welker on Sunday, Christie ruled out a Senate run against Menendez.
“I had a chance to appoint myself to the United States Senate, Kristen, in 2013 when [Sen.] Frank Lautenberg passed away and I was governor,” Christie said. “If I didn’t appoint myself to the United States Senate, the easiest way to get there, I sure as heck am not going to run for it.”