Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is suing the Wisconsin Elections Commission to get his name off the November presidential ballot. RFK Jr. endorsed Republican candidate, former President Donald Trump, in August after suspending his independent campaign.
Shortly after, the Wisconsin Elections Commission voted to keep Kennedy on the state’s ballot.
RFK’s lawsuit accused the commission of discrimination, arguing that independent candidates face different treatment than major party candidates and the decision infringes on RFK’s First Amendment right to free speech.
The suit highlights a disparity in ballot withdrawal deadlines, which is Aug. 6 for independents but Sept. 3 for Democratic and Republican nominees.
Kennedy’s attorneys argue that while political maneuvering is expected, the Supreme Court has ruled against discriminatory treatment of third-party candidates.
Kennedy faced a similar setback in Michigan, where a judge ruled he must remain on the ballot despite his efforts to withdraw. A lawsuit seeking his removal from the North Carolina ballot is still pending.
Despite suspending his campaign and endorsing Trump, Kennedy’s lingering ballot presence poses a potential threat to Republican votes, as polls indicate he draws support primarily from Trump’s base.
County clerks in Wisconsin have already been authorized to print ballots, with absentee ballots set to be sent to voters in just two weeks.
