Governor Phil Murphy today announced that he will appoint George Samir Helmy to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Senator Robert Menendez. Helmy will serve as one of New Jersey’s two United States Senators until the winner of the November General Election is certified on November 27, at which point Senator Helmy will resign and the Governor will appoint the winner of November’s election to the U.S. Senate.
Serving as Chief of Staff to Governor Phil Murphy from February 2019 to October 2023, George Helmy played a critical role in leading New Jersey’s pandemic response, negotiated six on-time state budgets, and ensured the completion of many of the Governor’s legislative goals. Prior to serving as Chief of Staff, Helmy served as State Director to U.S. Senator Cory Booker, serving on the Senator’s senior staff and overseeing the day-to-day operations of his New Jersey offices. Prior to that, he worked as Senator Booker’s Deputy Chief of Staff for two years. Helmy has also worked in the private sector with two Fortune 100 companies and served as an aide and caseworker to the late U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg, handling issues such as gun safety and financial affairs.
Helmy currently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief External Affairs and Policy Officer at RWJBarnabas Health. A native of Jersey City, Helmy lives in Morris County with his wife and two children. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Rutgers University and Master’s degree from Harvard University.
Upon his appointment to the U.S. Senate, Helmy will become the only Arab-American Senator in the 118th Congress. Helmy is tentatively scheduled to be sworn in on September 9th, when the U.S. Senate reconvenes.