Navigating a Tough Year: Andy Kim and Rob Menendez Seek Political Advantages as Friends
Kim is pursuing the Senate seat previously held by her father, Bob Menendez, who has been convicted.
TroibNews 
NEWARK, New Jersey — In a show of unity, Reps. Rob Menendez and Andy Kim embraced during a public event.
Menendez is endorsing Kim, who is competing to succeed Menendez's father, Bob Menendez, in the Senate following his resignation due to federal corruption convictions.
On Friday, Menendez guided Kim on a tour around Newark’s North Ward, highlighting local businesses on Bloomfield Avenue—a historically Italian neighborhood now predominantly Hispanic. The pair stopped to enjoy iced tea infused with aloe vera during their walk.
This endorsement serves dual purposes, benefiting both Menendez and Kim by demonstrating Menendez's independence from his father's legacy.
“We’re big boys, we’re grownups, we’re colleagues in Congress, we understand the dynamics here,” Kim remarked during an interview.
Kim had entered the Senate race promptly after Bob Menendez's initial indictment and continued his critical stance until Menendez declared his resignation.
The endorsement also illustrates unity, in contrast to Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy, who has remained noncommittal after a competitive primary involving his wife and Kim.
Menendez perceives long-term implications should Kim win, given their potential to serve New Jersey together for an extended period. Meanwhile, Murphy, nearing the end of his tenure, faces lesser political risks from strained relationships with statewide officials.
While Menendez has been reserved in his public comments about his endorsement, he and Kim have connected over shared personal and political journeys. They both celebrate their birthdays on July 12 and have confronted significant political hurdles, including a heavily publicized primary, and challenges to entrenched political systems.
After emerging victorious from their respective primaries, their rapport continued to strengthen. Kim visited Menendez's district to underscore federal investments in infrastructure.
Behind the scenes, the relationship endured, with Kim striving to maintain respect.
“I tried to be respectful, throughout this whole process I’ve kept in touch with him, let him know some of the things that I’m doing and always just said, ‘none of this affects me and you,’” Kim said.
During the Newark event where Menendez endorsed Kim, the atmosphere was congenial as they visited local businesses, with Menendez occasionally referring back to his prepared statement regarding the endorsement.
Kim’s Republican challenger, Curtis Bashaw, criticized Kim for not distancing himself sooner from Bob Menendez but acknowledged the significance of Rob Menendez's endorsement.
“I’m sure that Bob’s son is not Bob and that’s the way torch does gets passed, so it’s a milestone in the history of that family and our state,” Bashaw commented.
Mathilde Moreau for TROIB News
Menendez is endorsing Kim, who is competing to succeed Menendez's father, Bob Menendez, in the Senate following his resignation due to federal corruption convictions.
On Friday, Menendez guided Kim on a tour around Newark’s North Ward, highlighting local businesses on Bloomfield Avenue—a historically Italian neighborhood now predominantly Hispanic. The pair stopped to enjoy iced tea infused with aloe vera during their walk.
This endorsement serves dual purposes, benefiting both Menendez and Kim by demonstrating Menendez's independence from his father's legacy.
“We’re big boys, we’re grownups, we’re colleagues in Congress, we understand the dynamics here,” Kim remarked during an interview.
Kim had entered the Senate race promptly after Bob Menendez's initial indictment and continued his critical stance until Menendez declared his resignation.
The endorsement also illustrates unity, in contrast to Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy, who has remained noncommittal after a competitive primary involving his wife and Kim.
Menendez perceives long-term implications should Kim win, given their potential to serve New Jersey together for an extended period. Meanwhile, Murphy, nearing the end of his tenure, faces lesser political risks from strained relationships with statewide officials.
While Menendez has been reserved in his public comments about his endorsement, he and Kim have connected over shared personal and political journeys. They both celebrate their birthdays on July 12 and have confronted significant political hurdles, including a heavily publicized primary, and challenges to entrenched political systems.
After emerging victorious from their respective primaries, their rapport continued to strengthen. Kim visited Menendez's district to underscore federal investments in infrastructure.
Behind the scenes, the relationship endured, with Kim striving to maintain respect.
“I tried to be respectful, throughout this whole process I’ve kept in touch with him, let him know some of the things that I’m doing and always just said, ‘none of this affects me and you,’” Kim said.
During the Newark event where Menendez endorsed Kim, the atmosphere was congenial as they visited local businesses, with Menendez occasionally referring back to his prepared statement regarding the endorsement.
Kim’s Republican challenger, Curtis Bashaw, criticized Kim for not distancing himself sooner from Bob Menendez but acknowledged the significance of Rob Menendez's endorsement.
“I’m sure that Bob’s son is not Bob and that’s the way torch does gets passed, so it’s a milestone in the history of that family and our state,” Bashaw commented.
Mathilde Moreau for TROIB News
