RFK Jr. Will Stay on the Ballot in Michigan and Wisconsin After the Supreme Court Declined to Intervene

The High Court's Decision

On Monday, the Supreme Court declined to intervene in a case challenging the decision by Michigan and Wisconsin election officials to keep Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on the ballot for the upcoming August primary elections. The justices' decision leaves in place lower court rulings that found Kennedy had met the requirements to run for office, despite his failure to file the proper paperwork.

Kennedy's Candidacy

Kennedy, the son of the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy, is running for the Democratic nomination for governor of California. He has been a vocal critic of vaccines and COVID-19 restrictions, and his candidacy has been controversial. In both Michigan and Wisconsin, Republican officials had sought to disqualify Kennedy from the ballot, arguing that he had not met the residency requirements to run for office.

Lower Court Rulings

However, lower courts in both states ruled in favor of Kennedy, finding that he had met the residency requirements and that election officials had the authority to place him on the ballot regardless of any errors on his paperwork. The Supreme Court's decision not to intervene means that Kennedy will remain on the ballot in both Michigan and Wisconsin.

Impact on the Primary Elections

Kennedy's presence on the ballot could shake up the Democratic primary races in both states. In Michigan, he is polling behind frontrunner Gretchen Whitmer, but his candidacy could draw votes away from other candidates and potentially force a runoff election. In Wisconsin, Kennedy is seen as a long shot, but his inclusion on the ballot could further divide the Democratic field and make it more difficult for any candidate to win a majority of the vote.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court's decision to let Robert F. Kennedy Jr. remain on the ballot in Michigan and Wisconsin has added an element of uncertainty to the upcoming Democratic primary elections. Kennedy's presence on the ballot could alter the dynamics of the races and make it more difficult for any single candidate to emerge as the clear frontrunner.