New Jersey interim Sen. George Helmy stepping down for Andy Kim to be sworn in early

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey interim Sen. George Helmy, a Democrat appointed when Bob Menendez resigned after a federal corruption conviction, is stepping down this weekend. The move will allow Sen.-elect Andy Kim to be sworn in early. The step confirms what Helmy and Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy announced during his appointment this summer — that Helmy would resign early so the winner of November’s election could get into office before the new session of Congress begins next month. Kim defeated Republican businessman Curtis Bashaw on Election Day. He’ll become the first Korean-American in the Senate when he’s sworn in Monday.