TRENTON (AP) - A Democratic political pundit and attorney is challenging Sen. Robert Menendez for their party's nomination.

Michael Starr Hopkins has filed paperwork to run in the June primary against the two-term incumbent, who's facing a retrial on federal corruption charges after his first trial ended in a hung jury last fall.

Hopkins says it's important politicians reflect their constituents' values. The Jersey City resident outlined his reasons for seeking the seat in an op-ed piece discussing issues such as health care, education and taxes.

Hopkins has been a public defender in New York and a political commentator on Fox News and other major networks. He's a contributing writer for the Huffington Post and The Hill and worked on Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign last year in Colorado.

Menendez has denied allegations of bribery, fraud and conspiracy.