According to two sources familiar with the matter, Democratic Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey is expected to file for reelection as an independent. This decision comes just a day before the New Jersey primary, where three Democrats and four Republicans are vying for their parties' nominations for Menendez's current seat.

Back in March, Menendez, who is facing federal corruption charges and is currently on trial in New York City, announced that he would not run for a fourth full term as a Democrat. However, he left open the possibility of an independent bid if exonerated. With the Tuesday deadline approaching, Menendez's filing as an independent is imminent.

The senator's presence in the race could bring unpredictability to the Senate contest in New Jersey, where the control of the chamber hangs in the balance. Currently, Democrats hold a narrow majority, but they face a challenging election map this fall.

Democratic front-runner in Tuesday's primary, Rep. Andy Kim, criticized Menendez's decision, stating, "Americans are fed up with politicians putting their own personal benefit ahead of what's right for the country. Everyone knows Bob Menendez isn't running for the people of New Jersey, he's doing it for himself. It's beyond time for change, and I'm stepping up to restore integrity back into the U.S. Senate."

Menendez's federal corruption trial, now in its fourth week, continues to unfold. The senator, along with New Jersey businessmen Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, and Menendez's wife, Nadine, are accused of engaging in a bribery scheme and acting as foreign agents for the Egyptian government. All four individuals have pleaded not guilty.

Throughout the trial, evidence presented includes hundreds of text messages, emails, images, and voicemails exchanged among Menendez, Nadine Menendez, Hana, and various friends and business associates allegedly involved in the bribery scheme.

With Menendez's independent bid for reelection, the upcoming New Jersey primary and the ongoing corruption trial have added layers of complexity to the already contentious political landscape. As the deadline for independent candidates to withdraw from the ballot looms on August 16, the race for Menendez's seat remains impactful in determining the future of the Senate.