Michigan and Wisconsin to keep RFK Jr. on the ballot
Despite his withdrawal from the campaign, these two key states rejected the former presidential candidate's request.
Robert Kennedy Jr.
Two key states in the 2024 presidential race have decided to ignore the request by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to remove his name from the November ballot, despite his recent withdrawal from the race.
Last Friday, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced his withdrawal from the presidential campaign and his endorsement of former President Donald Trump. In an attempt to influence the electoral dynamics, Kennedy asked that his name be removed from ballots in states considered crucial to the outcome of the election, while wishing to remain on the ballot in those with marked political leanings.
However, authorities in Michigan and Wisconsin have decided not to accommodate Kennedy's request. In Michigan, Cheri Hardmon, senior press secretary for Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, told Axios that "minor party candidates cannot withdraw, so his name will remain on the ballot in the November election," Kennedy will appear on the ballot as a Natural Law Party candidate.
"The Natural Law Party held their convention to select electors for [Kennedy]. They cannot meet at this point to select new electors since it’s past the primary," Hardmon said.
The Wisconsin Elections Commission voted 5-1 to keep Kennedy's name on the ballot. Ann Jacobs, chairwoman of the commission, cited state law that stipulates that, except in the case of death, a candidate who has filed the necessary paperwork must remain on the ballot. Jacobs argued that while the situation may seem unusual, "the law is crystal clear" and leaves no room for discretionary decisions.
Potential impact on presidential race
While Kennedy's withdrawal has not caused a major change in the national landscape, his presence on the ballot could influence the results in Michigan and Wisconsin, where polls show narrow margins.
According to The Hill/Decision Desk HQ average of Michigan polls, Vice President Kamala Harris leads Trump by 3 points, with Kennedy taking 5%. Without Kennedy, Harris' lead over Trump would shrink to just 2.3 points.
Meanwhile, in Wisconsin, the polling average shows Harris leading Trump by 4.3 points with Kennedy getting 4.3%. Without Kennedy, Harris' lead would shrink to 3 percentage points.
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