Dec. 9 (UPI) — Rep. Andy Kim has been appointed to the U.S. Senate by New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, following last week’s resignation of interim Sen. George Helmy.
Murphy said in a statement Sunday that he was appointing Kim, 42, so he could take his new seat in Congress early.
“Taking this step will allow Senator Kim to embark on the smoothest possible transition into his new role so he can hit the ground running serving the people of New Jersey,” the Democratic governor said.
Helmy, a Democrat, was appointed by Murphy to fill the Senate seat left vacant by Sen. Bob Menendez, who resigned in after being convicted of corruption-related charges this summer.
Kim won the Senate seat in November, beating his Republican challenger, Curtis Bashaw, with 53.6% of the vote share compared to Bashaw’s 44%.
“It’s an honor to get to represent the state that gave my family a chance at the American Dream in the U.S. Senate,” Kim said in a statement Sunday.
“It’s a dream that remains out of reach for too many of our neighbors, and one that I’m ready on day one to fight for.
Murphy also thanked Helmy for “his continued service to New Jersey and the nation.”
On X, Helmy on Sunday published a picture of himself descending the steps of the Capitol.
The caption reads: “New Jersey, it’s been the honor of my life to serve you in the United States Senate.
“Thank you.”
Helmy had announced last week his intention to resign on Sunday to allow Kim to take his seat prior to the 118th Congress, which is to begin in January.
In his statement, Murphy explained that his appointment of Kim comes after the official certification of the 2024 General Election results on Thursday.