Former Governor’s Office Chief of Staff will Serve as U.S. Senator Until November General Election Winner is Certified
NEWARK – Governor Phil Murphy has announced that George Samir Helmy will fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Senator Robert Menendez in the United States Senate. Helmy will serve as one of New Jersey’s two United States Senators until the winner of the November General Election is certified on November 27, at which point Senator Helmy will resign and the Governor will appoint the winner of November’s election to the U.S. Senate.
“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 Governor 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. 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. I have absolute confidence that he will serve New Jerseyans well over the next few months.”
“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,” continued Governor 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.”
“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 incoming U.S. Senator George Helmy. “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.”
“George Helmy is one of the most committed public servants I have ever had the pleasure of working with,” said Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way. “I am confident that he will provide New Jerseyans with the principled and effective leadership that they deserve. George is brilliant, caring, and extremely dedicated to serving our state. This appointment by Governor Murphy ensures that our state is in good hands until the people of New Jersey elect their next Senator.”
“Governor Murphy has made a wise and historic choice in appointing George Helmy to the Senate,” said Senator Cory Booker. “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. From his dedicated years of service for Senator Lautenberg and his strong leadership as my state director, George knows how a Senator can be most effective for the people of New Jersey. Even more so, his experience as Governor Murphy’s chief of staff makes him deeply knowledgeable about the diverse needs of our state. George is a leader who will undoubtedly make a difference in the lives of New Jerseyans as our Senator, even in this short period of time. I will be proud to serve alongside him. And I know he will make New Jerseyans proud through his service too.”
Serving as Chief of Staff to Governor Phil Murphy from February 2019 to October 2023, George Helmy played a critical role in leading New Jersey’s pandemic response, negotiated six on-time state budgets, and ensured the completion of many of the Governor’s legislative goals. Prior to serving as Chief of Staff, Helmy served as State Director to U.S. Senator Cory Booker, serving on the Senator’s senior staff and overseeing the day-to-day operations of his New Jersey offices. Prior to that, he worked as Senator Booker’s Deputy Chief of Staff for two years. Helmy has also worked in the private sector with two Fortune 100 companies and served as an aide and caseworker to the late U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg, handling issues such as gun safety and financial affairs.
Helmy currently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief External Affairs and Policy Officer at RWJBarnabas Health. A native of Jersey City, Helmy lives in Morris County with his wife and two children. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Rutgers University and Master’s degree from Harvard University.
Upon his appointment to the U.S. Senate, Helmy will become the only Arab-American Senator in the 118th Congress. Helmy is tentatively scheduled to be sworn in on September 9th, when the U.S. Senate reconvenes.
