Former Sen. Bob Menendez ordered by judge to never serve in NJ public office again after conviction

Former U.S. Senator for New Jersey, Bob Menendez, can never seek or hold public office in the state ever again, according to a judge on Friday.

The ruling on Dec. 5 comes more than a year after Menendez was convicted of bribery and extortion charges in July of 2024.

“If Menendez applies for public office or employment or takes any steps to campaign, run for, or be appointed or elected to public office, he will face a fourth-degree contempt-of-court charge,” according to the court’s order.

Menendez resigned from his seat after he was convicted of selling his clout for bribes.

FBI agents found $480,000 in cash in his home, some of it stuffed inside boots and jacket pockets, along with gold bars worth an estimated $150,000 and a luxury convertible in the garage.

In exchange, prosecutors said, Menendez performed corrupt favors for New Jersey business owners, including protecting them from criminal investigations, helping in business deals with foreign powers and meeting with Egyptian intelligence officials before helping Egypt access $300 million in U.S. military aid.

Menendez had been in the Senate since 2006.

Two business owners also were convicted last year along with Menendez.

His wife, Nadine Menendez, was convicted in April of teaming up with her husband to accept bribes from the business owners. Her sentencing has been set for Sept. 11.

Menendez is currently serving out an 11 year prison sentence.