N.J. Sen. Menendez files for independent reelection run amid federal bribery trial

Vice President Kamala Harris, presiding over proceedings as the role of the office, read the tally.

The outgoing U.S. senator said he had been “blessed” by the opportunity to perform public service and highlighted what he recounted as key successes throughout his career.

This year's popular-vote margin is the second-closest since 1968 and still tightening. It shows just how closely divided the country is politically.