# Bob Menendez Bob Menendez is a former U.S. Senator from New Jersey and member of the [[Democratic Party]] who was convicted on federal [[Corruption]] charges in 2024. He had served in the Senate since 2006 and chaired the powerful Foreign Relations Committee, making his downfall one of the most significant congressional corruption cases in modern history. Menendez was found guilty of accepting bribes—including gold bars and cash—in exchange for using his office to benefit foreign governments and New Jersey businessmen. The case was prosecuted by the [[Department of Justice]]. He resigned from the Senate following conviction, and his seat was won by a fellow Democrat in the subsequent special election.