New Jersey Democrats and Republicans picking Senate, House candidates amid Menendez corruption trial

By MIKE CATALINI
Associated Press

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Democrats and Republicans are deciding their parties’ standard-bearers for the U.S. Senate along with candidates for the presidency and House. Tuesday’s election comes amid the federal corruption trial of Democratic incumbent Sen. Bob Menendez, who filed Monday to run as an independent. He is not be on the primary ballot. Instead, Democrats are choosing between Congressman Andy Kim, labor leader Patricia Campos-Medina and longtime grassroots organizer Lawrence Hamm. it’s a four-way contest on the GOP side. Hotel developer Curtis Bashaw has gotten significant county party backing, and Mendham Borough Mayor Christine Serrano Glassner has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump.