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A Michigan court has ruled that Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s name should be removed from the state’s general election ballot after he suspended his presidential bid and endorsed Donald Trump.
Let’s bring you up to speed: Earlier this month, RFK announced he would withdraw his name from the ballot in 10 key battleground states to support Trump’s presidential bid. Kennedy explained that internal polling indicated his presence on the ballot in these states could harm Trump’s chances and help Vice President Harris win the election. RFK informed his supporters that in states where his name would remain on the ballot—traditionally “safe” Republican and Democrat-leaning states—they could still cast their votes for him. Despite this, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (D-MI) argued against removing RFK’s name from the ballot despite his request to withdraw. The state said the request came too late to make changes without disrupting election procedures.
What’s going on now: The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled that RFK’s name must be removed from the general election ballot, reversing earlier decisions that kept him on despite his withdrawal request. The three-judge panel wrote, “While the request was made close to the deadline for defendant to give notice of candidates to local election officials, it was not made so late that laches should apply. Additionally, we conclude that the absence of any statutory authority prohibiting his withdrawal gave plaintiff a clear legal right to have his name removed from the ballot.”
Where things are now going: A spokeswoman for the Michigan Secretary of State’s office has announced plans to appeal the ruling to the state’s supreme court.
Why it matters: Michigan, a key swing state in US elections, often flips between parties. With Kennedy off the ballot, some think Trump could gain an edge over Vice President Harris. Polls show a tight race between the two. Latest polling is attached. Attached is the most recent polling.
