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Former Gov. Phil Murphy chief of staff, George Helmy, will take the oath of office as one of New Jersey’s two U.S. senators during a Monday swearing-in ceremony in the U.S. Senate Chamber.
Murphy tapped Helmy last month to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of Sen. Robert Menendez, who was convicted this summer in a federal bribery and corruption case.
Helmy will become the only Arab American senator in the 118th United States Congress. He will serve until Nov. 27, when the winner of the general election race between Democratic candidate Andy Kim, a current member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and Republican candidate Curtis Bashaw is certified. Helmy will then resign, and Murphy will appoint that winner to serve immediately.
“Once the voters of New Jersey elect their next representative in the United States Senate, and their votes are certified, I will appoint the winner of November’s election to the United States Senate before the new year begins,” said Murphy. “This approach will allow the democratically chosen winner of November’s election to embark on the smoothest possible transition into office so they can provide the best possible representation for New Jersey.”
‘A wise and historic choice’
As Murphy’s chief of staff from February 2019 to October 2023, Helmy was the longest-serving in the position for any New Jersey governor. He previously served as a state director and deputy chief of staff for U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, a Democrat, and as an aide and caseworker to the late Democratic U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg.
Helmy will now be a Senate colleague to his former boss, Booker.
“Gov. Murphy has made a wise and historic choice in appointing George Helmy to the Senate,” said Booker last month. “New Jersey deserves the most prepared and capable person to serve in this interim period. There is perhaps no one else more qualified to hit the ground running and make an impact for New Jersey in this role over the next several months.”
Gov. Phil Murphy appointed former Chief of Staff George Helmy to the U.S. Senate on Aug. 16, 2024. – PROVIDED BY RICH HUNDLEY III/NJ GOVERNOR’S OFFICE
“It is an honor to appoint George Helmy, a proven public servant who deeply understands the complexities of Congress, to the United States Senate,” said Murphy. “George is the model of integrity we need to help restore public trust in our state’s leadership. There is no one better prepared — or more committed — to delivering for the people of our state, especially when it comes to providing the highest caliber of constituent services.”
Committing to the transition
Most recently, Helmy served as executive vice president and chief external affairs and policy officer at RWJBarnabas Health.
“I thank the governor and accept this appointment with great humility and even greater determination to represent New Jerseyans in the United States Senate,” said Helmy last month upon his appointment. “While I am honored to serve and provide New Jersey with a Senate office that they can depend on, I commit to stepping down early to give the duly elected Senator the chance to begin their work. As I serve my state as Senator for the next few months, I promise to work for the people of New Jersey and hope to restore their faith in public service.”
Helmy will serve on three committees during his time on Capitol Hill:
Senate Foreign Relations Committee
Senate Finance Committee
Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee
As NJBIZ reported, his appointment was lauded by government leaders on both sides of the aisle, as well as the business community and beyond.
“For four-and-a-half years, I witnessed firsthand George’s unique skillset, wealth of knowledge, and willingness to pour his heart and soul into serving the people of our state,” said Murphy. “I have absolute confidence that he will serve New Jerseyans well over the next few months.”
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Publish date : 2024-09-09 00:46:00
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