Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, News 12 New Jersey is highlighting New Jersey's diverse Hispanic communities, traditions and leaders.

Today, News 12 focused on New Jersey’s senior Sen. Bob Menendez.

The son of Cuban immigrants, Menendez was born in New York City and moved to Union City as a small child. He eventually became mayor of Union City and worked his way through politics before making his way to Congress.

News 12’s Darlene Melendez spoke with the senator at the apartment building in Union City where he grew up.