Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s decision to remove himself from the 2024 election is gaining momentum as courts in Michigan and North Carolina ruled in his favor on Friday.
After endorsing President Donald Trump in August, Kennedy sought to withdraw his candidacy to avoid splitting votes that could benefit Vice President Kamala Harris. These rulings represent a significant victory for Trump, whose campaign was at risk of being weakened by Kennedy’s presence on the ballot.
Democrats, led by Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, tried to keep Kennedy on the ballot, claiming it was too late for him to withdraw. However, appellate courts disagreed, siding with Kennedy’s campaign. Benson’s press secretary, Cheri Hardmon, argued that Kennedy’s nomination by the Natural Law Party made his withdrawal impossible, but this argument was rejected by the courts.
Kennedy’s legal strategy is focused on removing his name from ballots in ten states, including major battlegrounds like Wisconsin, where Democrats are also fighting to keep his name in the race. The concern among Kennedy’s team is that remaining on the ballot would siphon conservative votes away from Trump, paving the way for Harris to win.
The rulings in Michigan and North Carolina offer a boost to Trump’s prospects as the election approaches. Kennedy’s own statements acknowledge that staying in the race would likely hand victory to the Democrats, a scenario both he and Trump are determined to avoid.
