George Helmy, former chief of staff to New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, was sworn in as a U.S. Senator on Monday (September 9) to fill the seat vacated by former Senator Bob Menendez. Menendez resigned last month following his conviction on corruption charges. Helmy, a Democrat, stood with Senator Cory Booker as he took the oath of office.
Born to Egyptian parents, Helmy is the first member of the Coptic Orthodox Church to serve in the Senate, a fact highlighted by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer during the swearing-in ceremony. Prior to his appointment, Helmy served under Governor Murphy for five years, making him the longest-serving gubernatorial chief of staff in New Jersey's history. Before joining the Murphy administration, Helmy served as an aide to Booker and the late Senator Frank Lautenberg. He is currently an executive at RWJ Barnabas Health, New Jersey's largest healthcare system.
However, Helmy's term will be short as the six-year term expires at the start of 2025. The winner of the upcoming November election, either Democratic Party’s Representative Andy Kim or the GOP’s Curtis Bashaw, will take over once certified.
Menendez, who denied all allegations against him, is due to be sentenced on October 29. He faces up to 20 years in prison. His wife, Nadine Menendez, pleaded not guilty and her trial was indefinitely postponed as she recovered from breast cancer surgery.