U.S. Senator George Helmy (D-NJ) today announced his intention to resign from office on Sunday, December 8, 2024 to make way for Senator-elect Andy Kim. Senator Helmy was sworn in to the 118th Congress on September 9, 2024 after being appointed as a United States Senator by Governor Phil Murphy on August 16, 2024 in the wake of the resignation of U.S. Senator Bob Menendez. Since entering office, Senator Helmy has diligently served on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senate Finance Committee, and Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee; introduced and co-sponsored over 30 bills, including five resolutions that passed the Senate Chamber; maintained a perfect voting record, including the confirmation of 20 judicial nominees to federal bench; advocated for youth mental health and supplying humanitarian aid to Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon; successfully nominated 48 New Jersey candidates to the four United States Military Academies; established a state office that expeditiously closed 117 constituent cases; and more.

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

“The voters of New Jersey made the right decision in November to elect Andy Kim to serve as their United States Senator. Having known him for nearly a decade now, I can attest to Senator Kim’s great dedication, character, and empathy towards the people of New Jersey. I look forward to supporting Senator Kim as he continues his service to the people to the New Jersey and our nation,” Senator Helmy continued. “Andy and I have worked closely since his being elected to ensure a seamless transition and I have made myself readily available over the coming weeks to support this process. I look forward to witnessing what he will accomplish in the elevated role.”

“Senator 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 Senator-elect Andy 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. I thank Senator Helmy for his friendship and service.”

“George Helmy has dedicated his career to the people of New Jersey, and his leadership has been nothing short of extraordinary. From his time as my state director to his service as Governor Murphy’s chief of staff, he has shown an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those we represent. His deep understanding of the issues facing our state and his proven track record made him an effective voice in the Senate. In a short amount of time he accomplished so much, and his leadership has made us all proud. 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,” said Senator Cory Booker.

“As Senator Helmy concludes his final week in the U.S. Senate, I want to thank him for his commitment and service to the people of New Jersey,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Over the past three months, Senator 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. Following the official certification of the U.S. Senate election results on December 5th by the State Board of Canvassers and Senator Helmy’s resignation, I plan to provide Senator-elect Kim the smoothest possible transition into office by appointing him to the U.S. Senate.”

Senator-elect Andy Kim will be sworn in to the U.S. Senate on Monday, December 9, 2024.