In Union City, the birthplace of Bob Menendez, there is now scant affection for the senator, recently convicted.

 In Union City, under scorching 100-degree heat on Tuesday afternoon, residents faced a different kind of heat across the Hudson River in a Manhattan courtroom. Former mayor and U.S. Senator Bob Menendez failed to evade conviction on all 16 charges in his federal corruption trial.

As news of Menendez's guilty verdict spread along Bergenline Avenue, where Jose Ovalles, a bodega worker, was walking past El Artesano Cuban restaurant, sentiments were clear. Ovalles remarked that the senator had squandered the trust of his constituents, reflecting a stark change from the once-prevailing affection.

Prosecutors described the case against Menendez as involving "shocking levels of corruption," alleging he accepted bribes in the form of gold bars, cash, and other favors in exchange for political influence benefiting individuals and foreign nations.

Menendez, who rose from humble beginnings as the son of Cuban immigrants to positions of prominence in Union City and beyond, now faces a stark reversal of fortune. Despite his long-standing ties and influence in Union City, residents expressed a mixture of disappointment and resignation following his conviction.

Kimberly Perez, a local student, criticized Menendez's plea of being unfairly targeted, asserting that accountability for his actions was overdue. Other residents, like Omar Roberts, emphasized the broader impact on public trust and America's global image, echoing concerns about corruption both locally and abroad.

Deandre Lamar, reflecting on the outcome near City Hall, underscored the inevitability of Menendez's downfall, noting the consequences of betraying public trust despite holding high office.

The conviction marks a poignant chapter in Menendez's career, signaling a profound shift in Union City's perception of a once-revered leader....See More