New Jersey Senator George Helmy announced Sunday that he would resign his seat, allowing Rep. Andy Kim, the senator-elect (D-N.J.), to take over the seat just a few weeks before the start of Congress’ next term.

The announcement on Tuesday was expected as New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) appointed Helmy to the seat to replace former longtime Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), who resigned from the seat in August following his conviction the month before on a wide range of charges, including bribery and acting as a foreign agent.

Helmy’s term was expected to last until the November Senate election for the new term, which will start in January. Helmy is resigning, and Murphy can now appoint Kim as Helmy’s replacement to complete the remainder of Helmy’s term. Murphy will then take office next month for the six-year full term.

Kim will be sworn into office on Monday.

With a deep sense of gratitude and emotion, I announce my resignation from the U.S. Helmy made a statement in which he said that he was the Senator for New Jersey. Helmy said in a statement that it was an honor to represent the people of New Jersey as a Senator. “I am forever grateful to Governor Murphy who entrusted me with this duty.”

He is proud of his work, which includes introducing and co-sponsoring bills to promote youth mental health as well as advocating humanitarian aid for civilians in the Middle East.

Kim was praised by him, saying that voters had made the right decision and praising his “dedication and character” and “empathy” towards New Jerseyans. He said the two worked closely together in the last few weeks to ensure an easy transition.

Kim expressed his gratitude for Helmy’s service, which was marked by “dedication and stability.”

His tenure as a senator was marked by dedication and stability. He served New Jersey’s people well and brought attention to important issues such as the youth mental illness crisis. This is an issue that I will continue to emphasize,” he said.

Kim won the Senate race against Curtis Bashaw, a Republican.

Murphy stated in a press release that he intends to give Kim a smooth transition, by appointing Kim into office earlier. This is in response to the State Board of Canvassers’ certification of election results on Wednesday and Helmy’s resignation a few days later.

Helmy was previously Murphy’s chief staff. He is the only Arab American senator and the first Coptic Christian.

Kim will be the first Korean American in the Senate.