Following through on a pledge he made when Gov. Phil Murphy appointed him to temporarily fill Bob Menendez’s seat, U.S. Sen. George Helmy, D-N.J., announced Tuesday his intention to resign Dec. 8.

Helmy assumed the role in August, following Menendez’s resignation after his criminal conviction earlier this year. At the time, Helmy said he would fill the seat until the election was decided and certified, before clearing the way for whomever won the November contest – ultimately Senator-Elect Andy Kim, D-N.J. – to take office sooner.

“It is with profound sense of gratitude and emotion that I announce my resignation as U.S. Senator for New Jersey,” said Helmy. “It has been the honor of a lifetime representing the people of New Jersey in the Senate – and I am eternally grateful for entrusting me with this responsibility.”

Helmy certainly made his short time in Washington, D.C., count.

His Senate stint has included:

• Serving on the Senate Foreign Relations; Senate Finance; and Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs committees
• Maintaining a perfect voting record — including votes to confirm 20 judicial nominees to the federal bench
• Advocating for youth mental health
• Supplying humanitarian aid to Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon
• Successfully nominating 48 New Jersey candidates to the four United States Military Academies
• Establishing a state office that closed 117 constituent cases

“Looking back on my now 85 days and counting in this office, I am proud of the work my team and I have been able to accomplish,” said Helmy. “From the introduction and co-sponsorship of several bills to advance youth mental health in our country to speaking up for humanitarian aid to civilians in the Middle East to working with my fellow Senators on both sides of the aisle to do big things for our constituents – I will look back on this time with great affection.”

Murphy thanked Helmy, his former chief of staff, for his commitment and service to the people of New Jersey.

“Over the past three months, Sen. Helmy has worked across the aisle to address our nation’s youth mental health crisis, advanced key federal funding priorities for our state, and provided robust constituent services,” said Murphy.

The senior senator weighs in

“George Helmy has dedicated his career to the people of New Jersey, and his leadership has been nothing short of extraordinary,” said U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J. “From his time as my state director to his service as Gov. Murphy’s chief of staff, he has shown an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those we represent.”

Booker lauded Helmy’s deep understanding of the issues facing the Garden State. He also pointed to his proven track record, which he says made Helmy an effective voice in the Senate.

“In a short amount of time he accomplished so much, and his leadership has made us all proud,” said Booker. “As he transitions into this new chapter, I have no doubt that George will continue to make a profound impact on New Jerseyans, and I am proud to have worked alongside him to serve our great state.”

Kim thanked Helmy for his friendship and service.

“Sen. Helmy has stepped up to serve New Jersey numerous times in his career, and we are grateful for his willingness to do so yet again in a time of need,” said Kim. “His tenure in the Senate was one of dedication and stability. He served the people of New Jersey well and drew attention to critical issues like the youth mental health crisis – an issue I plan to continue to focus on.”

‘The right decision’

Helmy said that New Jersey voters made the right decision last month to elect Kim.

“Having known him for nearly a decade now, I can attest to Sen. Kim’s great dedication, character, and empathy towards the people of New Jersey,” said Helmy. “I look forward to supporting Sen. Kim as he continues his service to the people of New Jersey and our nation.”

I have been honored to continue my service to New Jersey in this role and it’s been such a pleasure to transition this office to Senator-elect Kim. pic.twitter.com/B8UaISeXmd

— Senator George Helmy (@ghelmy) December 3, 2024

Since the election, Helmy noted he has worked closely to ensure a seamless transition with the incoming senator. Kim’s swearing-in will take place Dec. 9.

“And I have made myself readily available over the coming weeks to support this process,” said Helmy. “I look forward to witnessing what he will accomplish in the elevated role.”

The governor echoed that sentiment.

“Following the official certification of the U.S. Senate election results on Dec. 5 by the State Board of Canvassers and Sen. Helmy’s resignation, I plan to provide Senator-elect Kim the smoothest possible transition into office by appointing him to the U.S. Senate,” said Murphy.