Former U.S. Senator Robert Menendez has been permanently banned from holding any public office or position of public trust in New Jersey, following his convictions for multiple federal crimes. The announcement was made by Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA).
New Jersey Superior Court Judge Robert Lougy issued the order, which disqualifies Menendez from holding any state or local government position of honor, trust, or profit. If Menendez attempts to seek public office or employment, or takes steps to campaign, run for, or be appointed or elected to public office, he could face a fourth-degree contempt-of-court charge.
Menendez was convicted on July 16, 2024 after a nine-week jury trial in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The charges included conspiracy to commit bribery, conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right, and conspiracy to commit obstruction of justice. He was sentenced in January 2025 to 11 years in prison.
“Critical to preserving the public’s faith and trust in government institutions is ensuring that elected officials who commit crimes involving their offices don’t find new opportunities to regain positions of power,” said Attorney General Platkin. “Too many people in New Jersey have a cynical viewpoint that corruption is a routine, widespread feature of our politics. We hope the court’s decision sends a message that it is not acceptable and it will carry consequences.”
A federal investigation found that between 2018 and 2022, Menendez and his wife Nadine accepted bribes valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars—including gold bars, cash payments, a luxury convertible car, home furnishings—while Menendez used his Senate position to benefit those providing the bribes as well as foreign governments such as Egypt.
The legal action barring Menendez from future office was secured by Deputy Attorney General Adam Klein under supervision from Corruption Bureau Director Jeffrey J. Manis and OPIA Executive Director Eric L. Gibson.
