The wild card in that race is the embattled senior senator himself who filed late Monday afternoon to run as an independent Democrat in the November election, seeking a fourth term while under indictment, saying in a statement, quote, It displeases me to have to go this route thanks to overzealous prosecutors.

But I will do what must be done to continue to uphold my oath of office for my constituents.

The announcement serves as a potential spoiler in a high stakes election, given Democrats narrow control in the Senate.

Meanwhile, his corruption trial entered day 13, where two new witnesses took the stand.

Both from the FBI who provided details about a dinner meeting in May 2019 at a Morton Steakhouse in Washington, D.C., where Nadine and Bob Menendez met with Egyptian officials.

One who's believed to be a spy for the Egyptian government, according to the agents who took part in the stakeout.

Nadine Menendez allegedly asked the men, quote, What else can the love of my life do for you as prosecutors all try to prove the senator was acting as an unregistered foreign agent?

Another witness also took the stand this afternoon answering questions about the safety deposit box found during the raid on the Menendez home, which held jewelry, money and passports for an aid family.