The charges included bribery, conspiracy, and working as a foreign agent for the governments of Egypt and Qatar.
The 70-year-old Democrat is facing decades behind bars.
All of that has prompted Cory Booker, New Jersey's other U.S. senator, to issue an ultimatum: step down now or be forced out . Booker said in a television interview he'll lead an expulsion of Menendez.
"He must stand up now and leave the Senate, and if he refuses to do that, many of us ... and I will lead that effort to make sure he's removed from the Senate," Booker said.
Sources in Washington told CBS New York that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer will wait until next week when the Senate is back in session to test the sentiment for expulsion.
A two-thirds vote would be needed to expel Menendez.
Other Democrats, from New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy to party leaders, are also saying the convicted felon has to go.
"He violated trust and, you know, now it's time to go," Democratic State Committee Chair LeRoy Jones said. "So resignation should be the dignified way to go out."
If Menendez resigns, Gov. Murphy has the power to name his replacement.
"The person likely to be appointed is U.S. Congressman Andy Kim because he won the Democratic primary for the seat," Pizarro said. "Democrats in New Jersey feel threatened. Moreover, Bob Menendez in the race, Bob Menendez not going away, further complicates this race which is seen to be close."
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