Menendez refuses to say if he’ll resign if convicted

Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) refused to say on Thursday whether he would leave his Senate seat if he is convicted on federal corruption charges.

“I have no intention of being anything but exonerated,” Menendez said in an interview with CNN.

“So therefore, I’m not contemplating anything but reelection next year,” he added. 

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Menedez’s comments come as his trial in Newark is on break. 

The Democratic senator is charged with accepting lavish gifts, campaign donations and vacations from his co-defendant Salomon Melgen in return for using his influence to personally and financially benefit the Florida eye doctor. 

Menendez and Melgen have pleaded not guilty. 

Eighty-four percent of New Jersey voters said in a USA Today poll last month that they wanted the senator to resign if he was found guilty. 

Republicans have pushed for Democrats to call for Menendez’s resignation if he is found guilty.