High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The 2000 United States Senate election in New Jersey was held on November 7, 2000. Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg decided to retire, instead of seeking a fourth term. Democrat nominee, former CEO of Goldman Sachs Jon Corzine defeated Republican nominee, U.S. Congressman Bob Franks, in a close election. In January 2006, Corzine resigned from the Senate to become Governor of New Jersey.