Sen. George Helmy's short yet active tenure is nearing its conclusion
He was appointed to take the position vacated by Sen. Bob Menendez following his conviction, but the time for his departure is approaching.
TroibNews 
Sen. George Helmy, a Democrat from New Jersey, is making the most of his brief time in the Capitol.
Last Monday, Helmy delivered a complex speech on the Senate floor regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. His remarks stemmed from a recent trip to the Middle East, which he undertook during the approximately 12 weeks he’ll serve after being appointed by Gov. Phil Murphy to fill the vacant seat of disgraced Sen. Bob Menendez.
The day after discussing Middle Eastern politics, Helmy joined forces with Alabama Republican Sen. Katie Britt to discuss their shared support for legislation aimed at regulating social media companies due to their impact on children's mental health.
Despite political differences, Britt offered praise for Helmy: “You hit the ground running, I hope the people of New Jersey and America know that. This man got to work before Day 1.”
Sworn in on Sept. 9, Helmy is expected to resign soon after the election results are certified, allowing Rep. Andy Kim, who secured a full term, to take over for the remainder of Menendez's term. Helmy’s tenure will likely rank among the shortest in Senate history since the direct election of senators began in 1913, as he will serve about 90 days, a duration that mirrors that of roughly two dozen former senators with similar short stints, according to the Senate Historical Office.
However, Helmy is far from being a mere placeholder.
During his brief time in the Senate, he has engaged with around 30 colleagues, sponsored or cosponsored over 30 pieces of legislation, brought attention to diverse issues ranging from Gaza refugees to public housing in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and effectively managed constituent services, which are vital in a well-functioning Senate office. He also made an official visit to Jordan, where he witnessed warehouses stocked with food and supplies just a short distance from families in desperate need—a situation that, he noted, “should appall every one of us.”
“Being one of 100 requires you to raise your voice,” he stated in an interview soon after his Gaza speech.
Other short-term senators have also made significant contributions. For example, former Sen. Carte Goodwin of West Virginia, appointed in 2010, extended unemployment benefits for over 2 million Americans and played a role in confirming Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan.
The last senator to occupy a New Jersey seat, Republican Jeffrey Chiesa, confirmed Samantha Power as UN ambassador and sought, though ultimately failed, to construct about 350 miles of fencing along the Mexico border. Chiesa served about two months longer than Helmy will, but due to prior obligations, he missed 15 percent of votes, including one on James Comey’s confirmation as FBI director.
Helmy aims to establish a legislative record comparable to those who have served full terms, or at least to initiate efforts that may lead to future legislative success, as seen in his collaboration with Britt.
As the only Arab-American senator currently serving, he emphasized the complexity of the situation in Gaza in his speech. He expressed support for Israel’s right to exist and defend itself while condemning blockades that prevent aid from reaching innocent individuals on the brink of death.
“You can say all that because that is true,” he remarked.
Following his speech, he received messages from fellow senators expressing their gratitude. “That's what you do, is you raise your voice, you speak the truth and you spur and stir conversation,” he said. “These things matter to people. It's the old RFK saying — you create these ripples of energy that little by little create massive waves of change.”
Helmy’s strategy from the outset has been to maximize his time in office, supported by a staff that includes former members of Menendez’s team, former Sen. Harry Reid’s office, and Murphy’s administration, where he served as chief of staff. Known in New Jersey as Murphy’s highly capable aide, he previously held the position of state director for Sen. Cory Booker, now New Jersey’s senior senator.
Despite his new title, Helmy prefers remaining “the guy behind the guy or gal.” Thus, he approaches his role on Capitol Hill akin to a “super staffer.”
“There's nobody I'm not willing to talk to,” he said. “I'll go find senator staffs off the floor and talk to them about what we're trying to do.”
Ian Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
Last Monday, Helmy delivered a complex speech on the Senate floor regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. His remarks stemmed from a recent trip to the Middle East, which he undertook during the approximately 12 weeks he’ll serve after being appointed by Gov. Phil Murphy to fill the vacant seat of disgraced Sen. Bob Menendez.
The day after discussing Middle Eastern politics, Helmy joined forces with Alabama Republican Sen. Katie Britt to discuss their shared support for legislation aimed at regulating social media companies due to their impact on children's mental health.
Despite political differences, Britt offered praise for Helmy: “You hit the ground running, I hope the people of New Jersey and America know that. This man got to work before Day 1.”
Sworn in on Sept. 9, Helmy is expected to resign soon after the election results are certified, allowing Rep. Andy Kim, who secured a full term, to take over for the remainder of Menendez's term. Helmy’s tenure will likely rank among the shortest in Senate history since the direct election of senators began in 1913, as he will serve about 90 days, a duration that mirrors that of roughly two dozen former senators with similar short stints, according to the Senate Historical Office.
However, Helmy is far from being a mere placeholder.
During his brief time in the Senate, he has engaged with around 30 colleagues, sponsored or cosponsored over 30 pieces of legislation, brought attention to diverse issues ranging from Gaza refugees to public housing in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and effectively managed constituent services, which are vital in a well-functioning Senate office. He also made an official visit to Jordan, where he witnessed warehouses stocked with food and supplies just a short distance from families in desperate need—a situation that, he noted, “should appall every one of us.”
“Being one of 100 requires you to raise your voice,” he stated in an interview soon after his Gaza speech.
Other short-term senators have also made significant contributions. For example, former Sen. Carte Goodwin of West Virginia, appointed in 2010, extended unemployment benefits for over 2 million Americans and played a role in confirming Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan.
The last senator to occupy a New Jersey seat, Republican Jeffrey Chiesa, confirmed Samantha Power as UN ambassador and sought, though ultimately failed, to construct about 350 miles of fencing along the Mexico border. Chiesa served about two months longer than Helmy will, but due to prior obligations, he missed 15 percent of votes, including one on James Comey’s confirmation as FBI director.
Helmy aims to establish a legislative record comparable to those who have served full terms, or at least to initiate efforts that may lead to future legislative success, as seen in his collaboration with Britt.
As the only Arab-American senator currently serving, he emphasized the complexity of the situation in Gaza in his speech. He expressed support for Israel’s right to exist and defend itself while condemning blockades that prevent aid from reaching innocent individuals on the brink of death.
“You can say all that because that is true,” he remarked.
Following his speech, he received messages from fellow senators expressing their gratitude. “That's what you do, is you raise your voice, you speak the truth and you spur and stir conversation,” he said. “These things matter to people. It's the old RFK saying — you create these ripples of energy that little by little create massive waves of change.”
Helmy’s strategy from the outset has been to maximize his time in office, supported by a staff that includes former members of Menendez’s team, former Sen. Harry Reid’s office, and Murphy’s administration, where he served as chief of staff. Known in New Jersey as Murphy’s highly capable aide, he previously held the position of state director for Sen. Cory Booker, now New Jersey’s senior senator.
Despite his new title, Helmy prefers remaining “the guy behind the guy or gal.” Thus, he approaches his role on Capitol Hill akin to a “super staffer.”
“There's nobody I'm not willing to talk to,” he said. “I'll go find senator staffs off the floor and talk to them about what we're trying to do.”
Ian Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
