Despite the serious indictments against him, Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) seems confident that he will be exonerated. During a recent press conference, he all but formally confirmed that he will be seeking re-election even though he is being charged with bribery offenses.

The indictment, which was unsealed last week, accuses the senator and his wife, Nadine, of accepting bribes from three businessmen between 2018 and 2022. On Monday, he denied the allegations and claimed he would be vindicated.

Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., insisted at a press conference Monday he will be exonerated on a new federal corruption indictment.

Menedez detailed his decades-long record in Congress and insisted hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash the FBI found at his home was withdrawn from his personal savings account.

"The allegations leveled against me are just that, allegations," Menendez said. "For anyone who has known me throughout my 50 years of public service, they know I have always fought for what is right. My advocacy has always been grounded. And what I learned from growing up as the son of Cuban refugees, especially my mom, my hero, Evangelina Menendez. Everything I accomplished, I worked for despite the nay sayers and everyone who has underestimated me."

"I firmly believe that when all the facts are presented, not only will I be exonerated, but I still will be New Jersey’s senior senator," he added, falling short of formally announcing re-election. "The court of public opinion is no substitute for our revered justice system. We cannot set aside the presumption of innocence for political expediency when the harm is irrevocable."

Federal prosecutors allege that Menendez received hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes, including cash, gold, a Mercedes Benz, and other valuable items. In exchange, he allegedly used his position in the Senate to protect the businessmen and benefit the government of Egypt. The lawmaker is alleged to have improperly pressured an official in the Department of Agriculture to shield a business monopoly granted to one of the businessmen, who is Egyptian. It is also believed that Menendez disrupted a criminal investigation launched by the Office of the New Jersey Attorney General.

Sen. Menendez has hired attorney Abbe Lowell to represent him. Lowell has experience litigating high-profile cases and is also representing Hunter Biden in his gun charges case.

Legal experts seem to have varying opinions on Menendez’s chances of being exonerated. Some point out that the evidence in his case is compelling, which could lead to a conviction if he goes to trial. Others have pointed out that the senator has faced these types of allegations before without seeing accountability.

Another noteworthy element in this equation is that Menendez could face impeachment hearings since he is refusing to resign. This could potentially influence the upcoming election, where a prolonged legal battle might help a Democratic primary challenger unseat him.

Whether Menendez will face jail time remains to be seen as the case is likely fraught with complexities. Still, this will definitely be a case that will be closely watched as more details emerge.