Democrat Andy Kim elected senator in New Jersey, replacing disgraced Bob Menendez

Democratic Rep. Andy Kim defeated Republican existent property developer Curtis Bradshaw connected Tuesday to go the adjacent U.S. Senator of New Jersey, successful a highly anticipated contention to win Bob Menendez aft his national bribery conviction.

The contention was rapidly called by the Associated Press conscionable moments aft polls closed statewide astatine 8 p.m..

Menendez resigned from bureau implicit the summer, aft helium was convicted of selling the powerfulness of his bureau to a radical of businessmen and acting as an cause of the Egyptian government. FBI agents recovered stacks of golden bars and $480,000 successful currency hidden successful Menendez’s house.

Menendez, who pleaded not guilty, intended to tally for re-election arsenic an autarkic but withdrew his bid successful August. He is acceptable to beryllium sentenced successful national tribunal connected Jan. 29, a astir three-month hold from his primitively scheduled date.

Kim has served 3 terms successful the House of Representatives. He was expected to look a superior situation from Tammy Murphy, the archetypal woman of New Jersey, until she dropped retired of the race.

Gov. Murphy had appointed his erstwhile main of staff, George Helmy, to the interim post. Helmy has said helium volition resign aft Tuesday’s ballot is certified, according to The New York Times, with Murphy expected to elevate Kim to the station astir a period early.

New Jersey has not elected a Republican legislator successful 52 years, the Times reported. Polls consistently showed Kim up of Bradshaw successful the profoundly bluish state.