New Jersey Democratic Senator Bob Menendez, who was convicted of 16 felony counts a week ago, plans to resign from Congress on August 20, according to the Washington Post.

Senator Menendez informed staff today of his plans to resign from the Senate, a person familiar with the matter said. Said Tyler Pager of The Washington Post. New Jersey Sen. Convicted A New Jersey jury on July 16 found the three-term senator guilty of 16 charges, including bribery, fraud, obstruction of justice and extortion, in a climax to a years-long legal battle.

Since his conviction, Menendez has faced calls for him to resign, including from some of Congress' most powerful Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Requested He recused himself just hours after the jury's decision. It took Menendez a week to make a formal decision, but he eventually relented. (Related: Report: Vetting of Harris VP nominees underway; one key name ruled out)

Sen. Bob Menendez will resign from the Senate effective Aug. 20, his staff was informed today by two sources.

— Tyler Pager (@tylerpager) July 23, 2024

Menendez's defense team schedule According to Politico, one of the senator's lawyers said Menendez plans to appeal the ruling, citing “significant” issues with the case. The outlet said his legal advisers may try to question whether Menendez accepted gifts in exchange for “official services.” The outlet also noted they are optimistic the Supreme Court will dismiss the case, as it has done in many high-profile corruption cases in the past.

The New Jersey senator is currently fought The race is between Democratic Rep. Andy Kim and Republican Rep. Curtis Bashaw. Menendez was running as an independent before resigning. He has not announced whether he will drop out of the race.