Helmy to exit Senate on Sunday, be replaced by Kim

New Jersey Sen. George Helmy (D) announced he will resign from his seat Sunday, clearing the way for Rep. Andy Kim (D-N.J.), the senator-elect, to take the seat a few weeks before the start of the next term of Congress.

The announcement on Tuesday was expected as New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) appointed Helmy to the seat to replace former longtime Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), who resigned from the seat in August following his conviction the month before on a wide range of charges, including bribery and acting as a foreign agent.

Helmy was only expected to serve until a candidate had won the November Senate race for the next term that will begin in January. With Helmy’s pending resignation, Murphy will be able to appoint Kim to serve the rest of the term before taking office for the full six-year term next month.

Kim will be sworn in Monday.

“It is with a profound sense of gratitude and emotion that I announce my resignation as U.S. Senator for New Jersey,” Helmy said in a statement. “It has been the honor of a lifetime representing the people of New Jersey in the Senate and I am eternally grateful to Governor Murphy for entrusting me with this responsibility.”

He said he is proud of the work he has accomplished, including the introduction and co-sponsorship of bills to advance youth mental health and advocating for humanitarian aid for civilians in the Middle East.

He praised Kim, saying voters made the right choice and vouching for his “dedication, character, and empathy” for New Jerseyans. He said the two of them have worked closely the past few weeks to ensure a smooth transition.

Kim said he is grateful for Helmy’s service that was marked by “dedication and stability.”

“His tenure in the Senate was one of dedication and stability. He served the people of New Jersey well and drew attention to critical issues like the youth mental health crisis, an issue I plan to continue to focus on,” he said.

Kim defeated Republican Curtis Bashaw in the Senate race last month.

Murphy said in a statement that he plans to provide Kim with a smooth transition by appointing him into office early, in the aftermath of the state Board of Canvassers certifying the election results on Thursday and Helmy’s resignation days later.

Helmy previously served as Murphy’s chief of staff. He is the first Coptic Christian senator and is currently the only Arab American serving in the Senate.

Kim will be the first Korean American to serve in the Senate.

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