Murphy Appoints Helmy to Replace Menendez in Senate

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is set to appoint George Helmy, his former chief of staff, to replace Senator Bob Menendez following Menendez's conviction on federal bribery and conspiracy charges. The appointment is expected to be officially announced later this week, with Helmy set to serve as a caretaker senator until the upcoming general election determines a long-term successor.

Helmy, who served as Murphy's chief of staff for nearly five years, has a background in both state and federal government, having previously worked with U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Frank Lautenberg. Since leaving state government, Helmy has held executive roles at RWJBarnabas Health and served as a commissioner of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Menendez, who was convicted earlier this summer, is scheduled to officially resign from his Senate seat shortly. The upcoming Senate race will feature Republican Curtis Bashaw and Democrat Andy Kim, with the winner set to take office at the beginning of the next congressional term.