Interim New Jersey Sen. George Helmy plans to step down so the newly elected Andy Kim might be sworn in early.
Gov. Phil Murphy beforehand indicated the interim senator would step down so the senator-elect may enter Congress earlier than the subsequent session begins in January. Murphy stated he needed whoever received in November to have a easy transition to the Senate.
Helmy, a former aide to Gov. Murphy and Sen. Cory Booker, will step down this weekend, whereas Kim will likely be sworn in Monday to complete the present time period.
Rep. Andy Kim, D-N.J., speaks to delegates in Paramus, N.J., March 4, 2024. (AP Picture/Seth Wenig, File)
Kim, a three-term member of the U.S. Home, defeated Republican businessman Curtis Bashaw in final month’s election. He’ll turn out to be the primary Korean-American senator when he takes workplace.
Helmy, the one Arab-American and first Coptic Christian within the Senate, was appointed over the summer season when Bob Menendez resigned following his conviction on federal corruption expenses.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime representing the people of New Jersey in the Senate and I am eternally grateful to [Gov. Phil] Murphy for entrusting me with this responsibility,” Helmy stated in a press release. “Looking back on my now 85 days and counting in this office, I am proud of the work my team and I have been able to accomplish.”
“Andy and I have worked closely since his being elected to ensure a seamless transition and I have made myself readily available over the coming weeks to support this process,” Helmy stated. “I look forward to witnessing what he will accomplish in the elevated role.”
Herb Conaway, a Democrat, was elected to Kim’s former Home seat and will likely be sworn in Jan. 3.
