The Michigan Supreme Court decided that Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s name will stay on the state’s presidential ballot for the upcoming November election.
This ruling on Monday is a setback for Kennedy, who had sought to have his name removed after ending his independent presidential campaign and endorsing former President Donald Trump.
Kennedy had initially run as an independent candidate but shifted his support to Trump, prompting him to request his removal from ballots in several states where he was concerned he might siphon votes away from Trump. In Michigan, he filed a lawsuit against Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, arguing that state law should allow him to withdraw his name. Benson had previously denied Kennedy’s request, citing a law that prohibits withdrawal for candidates nominated by a minor party, such as the Natural Law Party, which had nominated Kennedy.
The Michigan Supreme Court’s decision overturns a recent appeals court ruling that had previously favored Kennedy. The court ruled that Kennedy failed to provide a legal basis for his claim.
“The plaintiff has not shown an entitlement to this extraordinary relief,” the court stated.
Kennedy’s attorney, Aaron Siri, criticized the ruling, arguing that it undermines ballot integrity by potentially misleading voters. Siri claimed that Kennedy’s continued presence on the ballot could lead to votes being wasted on a candidate who has withdrawn from the race.
The Michigan decision follows a series of legal battles over Kennedy’s ballot status. Last week, a Michigan judge had also rejected Kennedy’s attempt to remove his name, emphasizing that election procedures should not cater to candidates’ personal preferences.
In contrast, the North Carolina Supreme Court ruled earlier on Monday to remove Kennedy’s name from that state’s ballot. This decision, made in a 4-3 vote, requires reprinting of ballots already distributed to voters, incurring additional costs. Justice Trey Allen highlighted the importance of protecting voters’ rights and ensuring their votes count as intended.
Kennedy, who suspended his campaign on August 23, had been running as an independent for much of the 2024 presidential race before endorsing Trump. His name remains on the ballot in multiple states, complicating the electoral process as Kennedy’s campaign and legal challenges continue.
