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Menendez not running for re-election as a Democrat

Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez in front of the courthouse in Newark, N.J., after the judge in the case declared a mistrial.
Seth Wenig
/
AP
Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez in front of the courthouse in Newark, N.J., after the judge in the case declared a mistrial.

New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez says he will not be running for re-election as a Democrat.

Menendez who is facing federal bribery charges released a nine minute video explaining his accomplishments and said he's hopeful to run for re-election but won't do it as a Democrat.

"Unfortunately, the present accusations I am facing of which I am innocent and will prove so will not allow me to have that type of dialogue and debate with political opponents that have already made it their cornerstone of their campaign. "

Menendez added he's hopeful he'll be exonerated this summer and that will allow him to run as an independent. Menendez has until early June to gather 800 signatures to file for re-election. Democratic Congressman Andy Kim and Governor Murphy's wife, Tammy are running for Menendez's seat.