U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, a New Jersey Democrat who is on trial on federal bribery charges in New York, has filed to run as an independent candidate for reelection.
Menendez, 70, had previously announced that he would not seek the Democratic nomination for a fourth term. However, on Monday, he filed paperwork with the state to launch an independent bid on the ballot. He had earlier suggested that an independent run for office was a possibility.
When asked on his way into court on Monday if he was changing political parties, Menendez responded in Spanish, "no, independent doesn't mean I'm changing."
Menendez listed his party in the documents filed with the state as "Menendez for Senate."