Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has made a public plea for Sen. Bob Menendez’s resignation after he was indicted on federal bribery charges. In an interview with CBS News’ “Face the Nation”, Ocasio-Cortez expressed her belief that Menendez's resignation was in the best interest, regardless of party affiliations. She highlighted the seriousness of the allegations and the importance of consistency in dealing with such situations, stating that the allegations involve not only the senator's seat but also the integrity of all positions in Congress.

Menendez is accused of receiving significant bribes in cash and gold in exchange for favors on behalf of New Jersey businessmen and interests in Egypt. The senator has denied the allegations and called them part of a “smear campaign” against him, also mentioning possible bias due to his Latino background, according to The Hill.

Ocasio-Cortez, who is also Latin, acknowledged the existence of systemic bias against Latinos, but stressed that the charges against Menendez were substantial. She emphasized the importance of the presumption of innocence until guilt is proven in the legal system but argued that in political terms and maintaining dignity in Congress, Menendez's resignation would be in the best interest of the integrity of the office.

Ocasio-Cortez’s statement on the matter reflects growing pressure from other prominent Democrats, including New Jersey's governor and the state’s party chairman, for Menendez to step down. This issue highlights the complexity of legal charges amid the political context and the need to balance the presumption of innocence with maintaining the integrity of public institutions.