Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who ran as an independent candidate in the 2024 US presidential election, has officially announced his withdrawal from the race. He has taken steps to be removed from the ballots in various states.
The Secretary of State’s office in Arizona confirmed on Thursday, August 22nd that Kennedy had submitted the necessary paperwork to withdraw from the race in that state. On Friday, August 23rd, he filed documents with the court in Pennsylvania to formally exit the race.
Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes posted on social media platform X on Thursday, announcing that Kennedy’s campaign team had submitted formal paperwork to withdraw from the 2024 election in Arizona.
According to Congress Hill Report, Kennedy had announced on Wednesday, August 21st that he would be giving a nationwide speech on Friday regarding his political future. The speech was scheduled to take place at 2 p.m. Eastern Time in Phoenix and would focus on the “current historical moment and his path forward.”
Trump’s campaign team announced that later on Friday, Trump would attend a rally in Arizona with a “special guest.” The team stated that President Trump would deliver a speech alongside this special guest, introducing his “America First” policy, plans to reduce inflation and living costs, ensure border security, and make our cities safe again.
President Trump expressed on Thursday that he would feel “honored” to endorse Kennedy.
Donald Trump Jr., Trump’s son, expressed on Wednesday his support for Kennedy joining the government. He said, “I think that’s exactly what we need. So, I think this unity, even where there may be some differences on certain things, I think he could be a tremendous asset.”
Since announcing his candidacy, Kennedy’s poll numbers have consistently lagged behind. Originally a member of the Democratic Party, he renounced his party affiliation to run as an independent presidential candidate. He is the son of the late Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and the nephew of the late President John F. Kennedy. Despite opposition from most members of his family, who hoped he would support the Democratic Party again, Kennedy chose to run as an independent candidate.