Hispanic Democrats Close Ranks Around Rep. Rob Menéndez

Hispanic Democrats are supporting Rep. Rob Menéndez (DN.J.), the freshman House member who holds the seat once held by his father, Sen. Bob Menéndez (DN.J.), who is facing corruption charges.

The younger Menéndez, a former commissioner of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, was elected to the House in 2022 following the retirement of former Rep. Albio Sires (D), as part of the largest freshman Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC). class ever.

Menéndez now faces a serious primary challenge from Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla amid fallout from his father’s legal troubles.

However, CHC members see Menéndez as a valued colleague with expertise on the issue and as the new political standard-bearer for New Jersey’s 2 million Latinos.

“As the only Latino currently representing New Jersey in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Rob Menedez has fought tirelessly for the Latino community. He is a proven leader on the issues that matter most to our community, such as making life more affordable, lowering prescription drug prices and ensuring health care remains accessible and affordable, protecting reproductive freedom, and more,” he said. Representative Linda Sánchez (D). -California), who chairs Bold PAC, the campaign arm of CHC.

CHC members are eager to keep the group’s numbers high and growing – in 2022, Menéndez joined the CHC along with eight other freshman members from districts in nine different states.

Two House CHC members, Democratic Reps. Grace Napolitano (California) and Tony Cárdenas (California) are retiring from Congress at the end of this term; a third, Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), former chairman of Bold PAC, is leaving his position to run for Senate.

The CHC’s presence in the Senate — and in New Jersey — will be affected by the senior Menéndez’s likely retirement.

Senator Menéndez is not currently running for re-election in the Democratic primary, but has said he will consider running as an independent Democrat in the general election if he is able to clear himself of federal charges by the summer.

The scandal over these allegations has thrown New Jersey politics into disarray, creating a power vacuum in the space held by a man who has held elected office since 1986 and is arguably the state’s most prominent Democratic politician.

For the younger Menéndez, his father’s scandals attracted strong opposition in the form of Bhalla and businessman Kyle Jasey, who launched his political career in a long-shot Senate bid against the elder Menéndez.

Bhalla gained momentum in his campaign, posting strong fundraising numbers, finishing 2023 with about $900,000 in cash on hand, compared to Rep. Menéndez’s $700,000.

Polls are notoriously erratic for House races, but at least one poll commissioned by the super PAC reported by the New Jersey Globe showed Bhalla leading earlier this month. Other February poll showed Menéndez with a double-digit lead.

Menéndez’s colleagues at CHC want to keep him on board, especially since he has built a reputation for being outspoken and capable of throwing a punch across the aisle.

“Rob is uniquely positioned to defend working families against Extreme MAGA Republicans’ constant attacks on health care, immigration and our basic rights. He is a strong voice and fierce advocate for the people of New Jersey, which is why I am proud to support him in his re-election,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.), who as chairman of the Democratic Caucus is currently the highest-ranking Latino in the Chamber.

Menéndez also demonstrated an ability to insert himself into key CHC issues.

“Rob is co-chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus’ Immigration Task Force, and I am proud to fight side by side with Rob on one of the most critical issues facing our community,” said CHC Chair Nanette Barragán (D-Calif. .

“As a member of the House Pro-Choice Caucus, he co-sponsored the Women’s Health Protection Act, which would enshrine the principles of Roe v. Wade. Wade into law and would protect women’s rights across the country. He will be a leader who will not be afraid to stand up to Republicans and who will defend a high quality of life for all.”

And Menéndez managed to turn his previous experience in transport policy into collegial goodwill.

“Rob has advocated for improved transportation and infrastructure throughout New Jersey’s 8th District, including through the Gateway Program – the nation’s largest critical infrastructure project, which recently received $6.9 billion from the U.S. Department of Transportation , because he knows how much working families depend on quality transportation,” said Rep. Ritchie Torres (DN.Y.).