Sen. George Helmy (D-NJ) will end his brief tenure in the Senate on Sunday, allowing his successor, Sen.-elect Andy Kim (D-NJ), to take his place the following day.
Helmy, appointed as a caretaker for the seat of disgraced Sen. Bob Menendez, will have served exactly three months in the Senate when he resigns from his seat, among the shortest stints in Senate history.
His exit, agreed to before he ever took office, allows Kim to build seniority over his other freshman colleagues in the Senate. He is one of six Democrats elected to a full term on Nov. 5.
CAPITOL’S NEW CROP: MEET THE FRESHMAN SENATORS OF THE 119TH CONGRESS
In a brief interview, Helmy praised Kim, who served three terms in the House, as the “exact type of person you want in these institutions.”
“He’s just so thoughtful. He’s compassionate. He’s clearly well-versed in the issues facing New Jersey and the nation,” Helmy said. “So, we are very lucky to have him in this seat.”
As for his own tenure, Helmy told the Washington Examiner he “far exceeded” what he set out to do when he was sworn in on Sept. 9.
He introduced more than 30 bills, situating himself as a voice on youth mental health. Abroad, Helmy highlighted the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East with a trip to Jordan.
Helmy, 44, said he would take the coming days to decide on his next steps. He is an insider in New Jersey politics who served as chief of staff to Gov. Phil Murphy (D-NJ).
Helmy often jokes that he is a “super staffer” given his previous stints in the offices of two New Jersey senators, including that of Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ).
“Whatever life holds for me next, it’s been phenomenal,” Helmy said.
“We ran hard, and we’re very proud of what we’ve been able to do, and it’s a continuation of my public service,” he added. “Now, I get to sort of take a seat and think about what I want to do.”
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
In a statement, Kim praised Helmy for stepping up in a “time of need.” He was appointed by Murphy following the resignation of Menendez, who was convicted on corruption charges in July.
Murphy separately thanked Helmy for his “commitment and service to the people of New Jersey.”