New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez to run for reelection as independent

Washington — Sen. Bob Menendez, a New Jersey Democrat, has decided to seek reelection as an independent as his trial on federal bribery charges is underway. 

According to the New Jersey Division of Elections' website, his petition to run as an independent candidate was filed Monday and had nearly 2,500 signatures. Menendez needed 800 signatures to gain ballot access. 

Menendez announced in March that he would not run in the Democratic primary amid allegations that he used his political influence to help three New Jersey businessmen and the governments of Egypt and Qatar. In return, Menendez and his wife, Nadine, received cash, gold bars, a Mercedes convertible, mortgage payments and other gifts, according to prosecutors.