Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey is set to appoint George S. Helmy, his former chief of staff, to the U.S. Senate to replace Bob Menendez, the New Jersey Globe reports. Helmy’s appointment will be formally offered on Thursday, with an official announcement expected on Friday.
Helmy, 44, who currently resides in Mountain Lakes, served as Murphy’s chief of staff for nearly five years and is considered one of the most influential non-elected figures in New Jersey politics. His political resume includes stints as deputy chief of staff and state director for U.S. Senator Cory Booker, and as an aide to the late U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg.
Governor Murphy chose not to consider appointing Democratic Senate nominee Rep. Andy Kim (D-Moorestown) or any other sitting House members to fill the seat. New Jersey’s five-month timeline for filling House vacancies factored into the decision. Instead, Murphy is expected to appoint the winner of the November 2024 Senate race after the election results are certified.
Helmy has served as executive vice president and chief external affairs and policy officer at RWJBarnabas Health, New Jersey’s largest healthcare system, since leaving state government. He is also a commissioner for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
Menendez resigned last month following his conviction on federal bribery and conspiracy charges, effective August 20.
Helmy emerged as the favorite for the appointment after First Lady Tammy Murphy, who had run for the Senate seat earlier in the year, ruled out an interest in the interim position. Other contenders included Lieutenant Gov. Tahesha Way, former Secretary of State Nina Mitchell Wells, and former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson.
Helmy is expected to assume office on September 9, upon the Senate’s return from recess. He will serve as a caretaker until the next elected senator takes office following the 2024 election.
Helmy, who will be the first member of the Coptic Christian Church and the sixth Arab American to serve in the U.S. Senate, has a rich background in public service. He grew up in Jersey City, attended Rutgers University, and earned a master’s degree from Harvard. His extensive career includes working for Fortune 100 companies and running a small business before his work in politics.
Helmy’s tenure as Murphy’s chief of staff saw him navigate the state through major challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, credit rating upgrades, and landmark legislation on reproductive rights and gun control. Murphy praised Helmy for his leadership and judgment, calling him a “five-tool player” with “incredible judgment.”
As Helmy steps into his role as interim senator, he joins a long history of former staffers and close aides appointed to serve in the Senate. His deep political experience and close relationship with Governor Murphy made him an ideal candidate to temporarily fill the seat.