Bob menendez. On trial along with fellow Dem Henry cuellar. Also accused of bribery and selling influence to foreign interests.
Bob has gathered enough signatures to run as an independent. In deep blue Jersey this means to Dems will be running for that seat with a real American. Aka. Republican.
The hope obviously is that they split the vote allowing the non criminal to win. The Republican.
Also means Dems have to spend more money in Jersey to keep that seat and the upward pressure on the ballot means the state becomes tougher for Biden to defend