Sen. George Helmy, a Democrat and former chief of staff to New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, was sworn in on Monday and will serve in office for about two months until the November election. Democratic Rep. Andy Kim and Republican hotelier Curtis Bashaw are vying for the seat in November and the winner will immediately replace Helmy.

New Jersey voters will choose a new senator in November.

Helmy has pledged to serve as the state's "second crucial voice in the Democratic Caucus" and vowed to work alongside Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on "important issues" for the remainder of the term.