RFK Blocked from New York Ballot Due to Residency Issues

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Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will not appear on New York’s presidential ballot in November after a judge ruled that he falsely claimed residency in the state.

What’s the deal: The Democratic-aligned group “Clear Choice Action” challenged Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s candidacy in New York by questioning his state residency claim. They filed a lawsuit arguing that Kennedy’s declared New York residence, which he used to qualify for the state’s presidential ballot, was not legitimate.

Digging Deeper: RFK claimed he established residency in New York for the state’s presidential ballot by living in a single room within a friend’s home. He testified that he pays $500 a month in rent to Barbara Moss, the homeowner. However, during the trial, Moss disclosed that Kennedy’s first rent payment came only after a news article raised doubts about his residency. Kennedy also admitted that he had only slept in the room once, citing his busy travel schedule for the campaign.

What the judge said: Judge Christina Ryba ruled in favor of the challenge, finding that Kennedy’s listed address in New York was a “sham” and did not meet the legal requirements for residency, effectively removing him from the ballot. She added, “Given the size and appearance of the spare bedroom as shown in the photographs admitted into evidence, the Court finds Kennedy’s testimony that he may return to that bedroom to reside with his wife, family members, multiple pets, and all of his personal belongings to be highly improbable, if not preposterous.”

What RFK is saying: In a brief statement, Kennedy said, “This case is an assault on New York voters who signed in record numbers to place me on their ballot. The DNC has become a party that uses lawfare in place of the democratic election process. We will appeal and we will win.” His campaign also listed reasons as to why he is a legal resident of New York, noting: