Incumbent NJ Senator George Helmy is resigning early to replace Andy Kim

Incumbent New Jersey Senator George Helmy plans to resign so newly elected Andy Kim can be sworn in early.

Gov. Phil Murphy had previously indicated that the interim senator would resign so that the senator-elect could return to Congress before the next session begins in January. Murphy said he wants whoever won in November to have a smooth transition to the Senate.

Helmy, a former aide to Gov. Murphy and Sen. Cory Booker, will step down this weekend while Kim will be sworn in on Monday to finish the current term.

Kim, a three-term member of the U.S. House of Representatives, defeated Republican businessman Curtis Bashaw in last month’s election. When he takes office, he will be the first Korean-American senator.

Helmy, the only Arab-American and first Coptic Christian in the Senate, was appointed in the summer when Bob Menendez resigned following his conviction on federal corruption charges.

“It has been the honor of my life to represent the people of New Jersey in the Senate, and I am eternally grateful to (Governor Phil) Murphy for entrusting me with this responsibility,” Helmy said in a statement. “As I look back on my 85 days in this office, I am proud of the work that my team and I have been able to accomplish.”

“Andy and I have worked closely since his election to ensure a seamless transition, and I have made myself available at any time in the coming weeks to support this process,” Helmy said. “I look forward to seeing what he will accomplish in this elevated role.”

Herb Conaway, a Democrat, was elected to Kim’s former House seat and will be sworn in on Jan. 3.