Wisconsin has decided to keep Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s name on the ballot for the upcoming election, despite his request to withdraw after endorsing Donald Trump. The Wisconsin Elections Commission voted 5-1 to keep Kennedy on the ballot, citing a statute that prohibits candidates from removing their names after filing.
Kennedy, who suspended his campaign last Friday and immediately requested to be removed from the ballot, was denied by the commission. Republican members supported keeping Kennedy on the ballot, while Democrats opposed it, but ultimately Kennedy’s name will remain, a move that could impact Trump’s chances in the swing state.
Democratic elections commission member Mark Thompson criticized Kennedy and Trump, suggesting they were attempting to manipulate the election process. “Whatever games they’re playing, they have to play them with Kennedy on the ballot,” Thompson said.
Republican commissioner Don Millis filed a motion to challenge the state law requiring candidates to stay on the ballot after filing, but the motion failed in a 3-3 vote. Following the failed motion, Millis and another Republican joined Democrats in placing Kennedy and other third-party candidates on the ballot.
Robert Spindell, a Trump supporter and Republican commissioner, cast the sole vote against keeping Kennedy on the ballot. With Kennedy no longer actively campaigning and endorsing Trump, his presence on the ballot in Wisconsin could complicate the dynamics for the GOP in this key swing state.