Court Rules in Favor of RFK Jr. to Remove Name from Michigan Ballot

On September 6, former independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. achieved a significant legal victory in Michigan when the state’s Court of Appeals ruled in his favor, allowing him to withdraw his name from the November election ballot.

Kennedy had previously suspended his 2024 presidential campaign and pledged his support to Republican candidate Donald Trump. In return for his endorsement, Trump has suggested that Kennedy would have a role in his administration if he defeats Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris.

In his endeavors to facilitate Trump’s campaign, Kennedy sought to remove his name from ballots in key battleground states, including Michigan. Initially, Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson denied his request, citing state law as the reason for her decision.

This ruling was subsequently upheld by Michigan Court of Claims Judge Christopher Yates, prompting Kennedy to file an appeal. On Friday, the state’s three-judge appellate panel delivered a favorable verdict for Kennedy, overturning the earlier decision.

The Court of Appeals issued a five-page ruling commanding Benson to take Kennedy’s name off the ballot. In their decision, the justices stated, “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.”

They further noted, “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.”

According to Michigan law, the Secretary of State must provide a list of candidates to county clerks no later than 60 days before the election. This deadline coincides with the ruling made on Friday.

In addition to his efforts in Michigan, Kennedy initiated legal action in Wisconsin, where he is also working to withdraw his name from the ballot in a similar attempt to support Trump. However, the Wisconsin Elections Commission recently determined that state law prevents anyone who has filed nomination papers and qualified to appear on the ballot from declining the nomination.

On the same Friday, Kennedy’s efforts also paid off in North Carolina. Although not classified as a primary battleground state, he successfully petitioned to have his name removed from the ballot there. The North Carolina Court of Appeals reversed a previous decision made by a circuit court judge who had turned down Kennedy’s request.

This outcome will unfortunately lead to state election officials missing the Friday deadline for distributing absentee ballots, due to the necessity of updating the candidate list.

Kennedy’s legal battles illustrate a complex interplay of political strategy and electoral laws as he seeks to bolster Trump’s chances in vital states. The implications of these decisions could have a significant impact on the upcoming election as he continues to navigate this challenging political landscape.