TRENTON, NJ — Governor Phil Murphy has chosen his former chief of staff, George S. Helmy, to fill the United States Senate seat vacated by Bob Menendez, as confirmed by the New Jersey Globe.
The formal offer is set to be made to Helmy on Thursday, with an official announcement planned for Friday.
Helmy, a 44-year-old from Mountain Lakes, has been a prominent figure in New Jersey politics, previously serving nearly five years as Murphy’s chief of staff. His experience extends to roles as deputy chief of staff and state director for U.S. Senator Cory Booker, and as an aide to Senator Booker’s predecessor, Frank R. Lautenberg.
The governor has opted not to consider appointing Rep. Andy Kim or any current House members, focusing instead on the upcoming November general election. After the election results are certified, Murphy is expected to appoint the winner to the Senate early, ensuring a seamless transition in representation for New Jersey.
Insiders believe Murphy holds ill will toward Kim, who singlehandedly defeated Tammy Murphy and the New Jersey Democrat party line, which is a crushing blow to Murphy’s power base in future elections.