Platkin files lawsuit to permanently bar Menendez from holding public office in New Jersey

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced Monday that his office has filed a lawsuit seeking to permanently bar former U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez from holding public office in New Jersey.

Filed in Mercer County Superior Court, the suit requests a court order declaring Menendez disqualified from seeking or holding any public office or employment at the state or municipal level. The action follows Menendez’s federal corruption conviction and aims to preempt any future bid for elected office. The complaint also warns Menendez that violating such a court order could result in contempt charges.

“Bob Menendez abused his high-ranking position in the U.S. Senate for his own personal and financial benefit, betraying the people who elected him,” Platkin said. “Today, my office sought a court order ensuring he will be given no such opportunity again in New Jersey.”

The Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability cited a 2025 conviction of former Paterson Mayor Joey Torres for contempt after he ran for office in defiance of a similar court order.

Platkin said the move reflects his office’s commitment to upholding the rule of law “equally and fairly, regardless of political concerns or affiliations.”