RFK Jr. Withdraws Arizona Ballot Petition, Plans to End Campaign

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has officially withdrawn his petition to be included on the ballot in Arizona, confirming that he intends to exit the presidential race. This move was communicated by the Arizona secretary of state’s office, which stated that they processed the necessary withdrawal forms before the ballot printing deadline. As a result, Kennedy’s name will not appear on the November ballot.

The deadline for ballot printing in Arizona was 6 a.m. on Friday, and Kennedy’s campaign had to submit the withdrawal paperwork before that time. Had they missed this deadline, Kennedy would have remained on the ballot regardless of his plans.

Reports indicate that Kennedy is expected to formally drop out of the race and endorse former President Donald Trump. Sources close to the situation suggest that the discussions around this endorsement started gaining momentum about a week before the Republican National Convention. Key figures such as Donald Trump Jr., Tucker Carlson, and major donor Omeed Malik have reportedly played significant roles in encouraging Kennedy to back Trump.

Initially, there was uncertainty within Trump’s team regarding which candidate Kennedy’s campaign would impact more: Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris. However, as the political landscape evolved with Harris securing the Democratic nomination, it became evident that Kennedy was more likely to siphon votes away from Trump.

In the wake of an assassination attempt against Trump last month in Pennsylvania, the two men spoke on the phone shortly afterward. They then met in person during the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, further solidifying their connection. Following a leaked phone call between Trump and Kennedy’s son, Kennedy interrupted a Zoom meeting with supporters to take an incoming call from Trump. He made a point to display the caller’s identity on screen before stepping away for about ten minutes.

Upon his return, Kennedy shared that Trump had called to thank him for a message he sent earlier that day, which was an apology for the leak. Despite plans to endorse Trump, there are concerns among some of Kennedy’s close associates regarding the implications of this decision. Those familiar with the dynamics mentioned that Kennedy is known for his indecisiveness, although they do not believe he will reverse his current intentions.

Kennedy’s campaign attributes their challenges in part to a series of lawsuits initiated by Democrats aimed at restricting ballot access. Nicole Shanahan, Kennedy’s running mate, stated that these legal battles have significantly drained the campaign’s resources, including money, time, and energy—resources that could have otherwise been used for campaigning and outreach efforts.

Shanahan expressed her frustration, characterizing the situation as politically motivated prosecution, which she argues is not in line with democratic principles. She emphasized both her and Kennedy’s commitment to national unity and their desire to champion important causes, even if their efforts do not culminate in a presidency.

Reflecting on their discussions with Trump and his aides, Shanahan noted, “All we can do is gauge sincerity, and we’re gauging sincerity from Donald Trump.” This sentiment underscores the complex relationship between Kennedy’s campaign and Trump’s team as they navigate the shifting dynamics of the race.

As Kennedy prepares to officially exit the presidential race and align himself with Trump, the implications of this endorsement could have far-reaching effects on the upcoming election. Supporters and observers alike are closely monitoring these developments, eager to see how this shift will reshape the political landscape in the weeks leading up to the election.

Source: ABC News