As his federal bribery trial continues, Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) reportedly filed to run for another term in the Senate as an independent on Monday.
In March, Menendez declared that he would not seek the Democratic nomination for his Senate seat.
However, he did not rule out the possibility of pursuing an independent campaign.
Prosecutors have accused the senator of accepting bribes in exchange for favors for three industrialists. He is currently facing a variety of charges in a comprehensive corruption case.
One day prior to the Tuesday deadline for candidates in New Jersey, Menendez submitted his paperwork for the independent bid, despite having pled not guilty.
Menendez’s intention to register as an independent was initially disclosed by The New Jersey Globe on Monday.
The Democratic nominee, Menendez, appeared to be on the verge of seeking and winning another term in office as the autumn approached.
However, he and his wife were accused of accepting over $600,000 in bribes from businessmen, prompting widespread calls for his resignation.
Prosecutors contend that Menendez exerted undue influence over state officials to impede or terminate criminal investigations against the businessmen and their associates subsequent to receiving the payments.
Additionally, they accuse him of employing his position as an emissary for the Egyptian government.
Since the initial indictment, Menendez has been charged with numerous superseding indictments, which have added additional allegations to the case.
Menendez has declined to resign, but he has relinquished his position as the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
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