'Caretakers of our democracy:' Rep. Andy Kim on cleaning up after Jan. 6

NEW YORK (PIX11) – U.S. Rep. Andy Kim (D-NJ) wanted to show people that lawmakers are meant to be the "caretakers of our democracy" when he was pictured cleaning up trash following the events on Jan. 6, 2021.

In an interview with Nexstar at the Democratic National Convention, Kim talked about the aftermath of the Capitol riots and how he wants lawmakers to respond.

"That should be the mentality, though, going forward," Kim said. "That we're caretakers of our democracy. All of us have a responsibility to do our part… we all just have to do whatever it takes to be able to fix these problems."

Kim also discussed Sen. Bob Menendez's resignation in the coming weeks after he was found guilty on federal bribery charges. Gov. Phil Murphy is expected to pick his former chief of staff George Helmy to fill the Senate seat, sources told The Associated Press.

Kim said there's no animosity between him and Murphy after he wasn't selected to fill the seat, and that he's focused on his own campaign for Senate.

"I'm on the ballot for Nov. 5 to be the next senator for New Jersey," he said. "So that's my focus. You know, I want to win it outright, win it for the people."

Kim pointed out that he's a Democrat who was voted for in a district that former President Donald Trump won twice.

"I've shown that I can appeal across the spectrum," he said.

Kim brought his two sons to the DNC to watch his speech.

"I want them to have the kind of future that they deserve," he said. "I think a lot of that's at stake right now."

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz also took the stage during the DNC's third night. Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to accept her party's nomination on Thursday, the final day of the convention.

This story comprises reporting from The Associated Press.