President Donald Trump’s path to victory in the 2024 election became clearer on Friday after courts in Michigan and North Carolina ruled that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. can officially withdraw from the ballot. Kennedy, who endorsed Trump in August, has been working to remove his name from several battleground state ballots to avoid splitting conservative votes that could lead to Vice President Kamala Harris winning the election.
Michigan’s Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson had argued that it was too late for Kennedy to exit the race, claiming that his nomination by the Natural Law Party required him to remain on the ballot. However, appellate courts in both Michigan and North Carolina sided with Kennedy, allowing his withdrawal to proceed.
This victory for Kennedy and Trump comes amid ongoing efforts by Democrats to keep Kennedy on the ballot in ten states, including Wisconsin, where he is still fighting a legal battle. Kennedy’s campaign has expressed concern that staying in the race would divide Trump’s support and give Harris an advantage in these key states.
The rulings in Michigan and North Carolina are particularly important, as both are critical battlegrounds in the upcoming election. By removing Kennedy’s name, the courts have helped eliminate a potential obstacle to Trump’s success, ensuring that the Republican vote remains unified.
With these decisions, the Trump campaign can now focus on consolidating support in key states without the risk of vote-splitting, improving his chances against Harris.
