Interim New Jersey Sen. George Helmy plans to step down so the newly elected Andy Kim can be sworn in early. Gov. Phil Murphy previously indicated the interim senator would step down so the senator-elect could enter Congress before the next session begins in January. Murphy said he wanted whoever won in November to have a smooth transition to the Senate. Helmy, a former aide to Gov. Murphy and Sen. Cory Booker, will step down this weekend, while Kim will be sworn in Monday to finish the current term. Rep. Andy Kim, D-N.J., speaks to delegates in Paramus, N.J., March 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File) Kim, a three-term member of the U.S. House, defeated Republican businessman Curtis Bashaw in last month’s election. He’ll become the first Korean-American senator when he takes office. Helmy, the only Arab-American and first Coptic Christian in the Senate, was appointed over the summer when Bob Menendez resigned following his conviction on federal corruption charges. “It has been the honor of a lifetime representing the people of New Jersey in the Senate and I am eternally grateful to [Gov. Phil] Murphy for entrusting me with this responsibility,” Helmy said in a statement. “Looking back on my now 85 days and counting in this office, I am proud of the work my team and I have been able to accomplish.” “Andy and I have worked closely since his being elected to ensure a seamless transition and I have made myself readily available over the coming weeks to support this process,” Helmy said. “I look forward to witnessing what he will accomplish in the elevated role.” Herb Conaway, a Democrat, was elected to Kim’s former House seat and will be sworn in Jan. 3.