Rep. Menendez gets primary challenger amid father's indictment

New Jersey Democratic Rep. Rob Menendez attracted his first primary challenger on Tuesday, with Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla announcing his bid to oust him from the deep-blue House seat.

Bhalla, the son of Indian immigrants, is a practicing Sikh and touted his experience with discrimination in the United States in his campaign video. He further highlighted his record as mayor and espoused his green energy and civil rights positions. Included in the video, was a brief clip of New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez, the father of his primary opponent, as he referred to "politicians who strive only to serve themselves."

Menendez the elder has come under fire for his alleged corruption and a federal indictment claiming he acted as a foreign agent of the Egyptian government. He has pleaded not guilty and refused calls for his resignation. Menendez the younger, for his part, has not been implicated but has stood by his father, expressing "unwavering confidence" in him.

The congressman first won election in the 2022 midterms. Upon news of Bhalla's challenge, he suggested to Politico that the mayor was merely seeking a better career opportunity in light of adverse developments in Hoboken.

"While we have advocated tirelessly for Hoboken, it seems the only reason Ravi has entered the race after endorsing me in 2022 and publicly applauding our work this year is because a week after losing control of the city council, he sees no political future for himself in Hoboken," he told the outlet.

Rep. Menendez announced his own reelection plans in September.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.