Supreme Court Blocks Kennedy's Removal From Battleground Ballots

The Supreme Court declined an emergency appeal to withdraw Robert F. Kennedy Jr. from the presidential ballots in Wisconsin and Michigan, citing logistical challenges with ballots already printed. Kennedy aimed to exit these contests, backing Donald Trump, but courts did not find his First Amendment claim persuasive.

The Supreme Court has denied an emergency plea to withdraw Robert F. Kennedy Jr. from the presidential ballots in two pivotal states, Wisconsin and Michigan.

After terminating his independent campaign to endorse Republican Donald Trump, Kennedy argued that retaining his name violated his First Amendment rights. However, Michigan and Wisconsin countered that any removal was impractical, with early voting already initiated. Justice Neil Gorsuch dissented in the Michigan ruling but provided no detailed reasoning.

The issue of independent and third-party candidates could influence the presidential race in tightly contested states. Previously, Kennedy's efforts to remain on the ballot in New York were also rejected, as his presence was deemed non-essential in the Trump vs. Harris contest. Despite winning an appeals court victory in Michigan, it was decided he couldn't withdraw as the Natural Law Party's nominee. Efforts in Wisconsin were hindered by legal stipulations and impractical sticker plans to cover his name.

(With inputs from agencies.)