Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has officially secured a spot on the ballot in Florida as the nominee of the Reform Party, founded by Ross Perot. His campaign is working tirelessly to secure ballot access in all 50 states, with plans already in place for appearances in several other states, including Michigan, Utah, and California. While Kennedy has not yet reached the 270 electoral college votes needed to win the presidency, his presence on the ballot in key swing states could potentially sway the outcome of the 2024 election, where Biden and Trump are neck-and-neck in the polls.
Without the backing of a major political party, Kennedy has had to petition for ballot access in most states, utilizing nominations from lesser-known parties such as the Natural Law Party of Michigan and the American Independent Party in California. His campaign has also filed lawsuits challenging ballot access rules in states like Utah and Maine, and has strategically delayed filing petitions to avoid challenges from the Democratic Party. Kennedy’s campaign spokesperson, Stefanie Spear, has acknowledged these tactics in an effort to secure his spot on the ballot in as many states as possible.
The DNC filed a complaint against Kennedy with the Federal Election Commission in February, accusing him of illegal coordination with the American Values 2024 PAC in securing ballot access. Kennedy, who initially launched his presidential bid as a Democrat but later switched to running as an independent, is polling at around 10% in the six battleground states. Polls show that Kennedy’s criticism of Covid-19 protocols appeals to Republicans, leading to uncertainty about whether he would draw more votes from Biden or Trump in the election.
Kennedy’s presence on the ballot in states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, Nevada, Arizona, Georgia, and Wisconsin could play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the 2024 election. Kennedy’s campaign is focused on expanding his reach across all 50 states, with plans to continue collecting signatures to appear on additional ballots. His aggressive strategy and legal challenges in various states demonstrate his determination to secure his place in the presidential race and potentially influence the final results.
