Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon/File)
Instead, Menendez announced at the same time his desire to run as an independent if he is exonerated during his summer trial.
He did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment on his bid for re-election.
Menendez and his wife, Nadine, have both pleaded not guilty to bribery and obstruction of justice charges. They are accused of accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes in the form of cash, gold bars and a Mercedes-Benz for the benefit of various business persons and the Egyptian government.
The senator’s trial kicked off in May.
SEN BOB MENENDEZ MAY BLAME WIFE NADINE DURING FEDERAL CORRUPTION TRIAL: COURT DOCS
An evidence photo shows gold bars that were allegedly gifted by Fred Daibes and found in Democrat New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez and Nadine Menendez’s home. (United States District Court/File)
Menendez was charged by federal prosecutors with obstruction of justice in another superseding indictment unsealed in March relating to a multiyear alleged bribery scheme involving the Egypt and Qatar governments.
The 18-page indictment is wrapped into Menendez's existing charges already against him and his co-defendants – including his wife, Nadine – for allegedly acting as a foreign agent and accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes to benefit the Egyptian government through his power and influence as a senator.
The indictment comes after Uribe accepted the plea deal and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors. The charges also alleged Menendez committed conspiracy, bribery, acting as a foreign agent, extortion and wire fraud.
Earlier in April, Nadine's attorneys requested to postpone her trial after an "unexpected medical development" arose. She was diagnosed with a "serious medical condition" on April 9, her lawyers said.
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Republicans in New Jersey welcomed the embattled senator's potential independent re-election bid in 2024 as they look to break the party's decades-long hold over the state's U.S. Senate delegation.
Fox News Digital's Julia Johnson and Jamie Joseph contributed to this report.
Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital.
Story tips and can be sent to Greg.Wehner@Fox.com and on Twitter @GregWehner.
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