Robert F Kennedy likely to appear on presidential ballot in 14 states

Robert F Kennedy’s presidential campaign has collected enough signatures to appear on the ballot in Texas, the second largest US state by population.

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr during a campaign event in Oakland, California. Picture: AFP

Robert F Kennedy’s presidential campaign has collected enough signatures to appear on the presidential ballot in Texas, the second largest US state by population, as Donald Trump and Democrats ramp up attacks on the long shot third party candidate.

Mr Kennedy, who is polling around 10 per cent nationally in most reputable polls, arrived at the Texas Secretary of State’s offices in Austin on Monday (Tuesday AEST) with a claimed 245,572 signatures, more than double the number required to meet the state’s tough requirements for independent candidates.

“RFK Jr. has drawn a line in the sand reminiscent of the determination of our Texas forebears,” said National Field Director Andy Griffith.

“It’s time Texans declare independence from the limitations of partisan politics and vote for new leadership.”

Today, Nicole and I turned in 245,572 signatures — twice as many as are required — to gain ballot access in Texas. Thank you Lone Star State. #KennedyShanahan24 🙏 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/sheMdeVsVd

— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) May 13, 2024

The long shot independent campaign became the first since Pat Buchanan’s in 2000 to obtain ballot access in the Lone Star state, home to around 29 million Americans, the second most populous behind California.

Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has launched a series of stinging attacks on Mr Kennedy, whom Trump has previously praised, casting him as a “radical far left Democrat plant”.

“He is not a Republican so don’t think you’re going to vote for him and feel good,” Mr Trump said in a social media post last week.

Democrats have similarly begun attacking the former scion of the Democratic Party, who is the nephew of former president John F Kennedy and former Attorney-General Robert F Kennedy, as polls suggest the renegade former environmental lawyer will take more votes for the ruling party.

Taking an eclectic mix of policy positions, such as pro abortion, free speech, pro strict immigration, and anti big business, Mr Kennedy has often defied simple political classifications.

Mainstream media attention the 70 year old, who last year began campaign for the Democratic party nomination before dropping out to pursue a third-party bid, has increased significantly in recent months as it’s become less likely he will drop out of the race.

The New York Times dug out legal documents from in 2012 related to Mr Kennedy’s divorce that revealed a worm had eaten part of his brain years ago, temporarily causing ‘brain fog’ and memory lapses. The campaign has since assured voters the 70 year old health was fine.

The Kennedy campaign has officially won ballot access in Utah, California, Delaware, Oklahoma, Texas and the crucial battleground state of Michigan. It has enough signatures for eight other states, including North Carolina, Ohio, Nevada and Iowa.

All up, the campaign, which has repeatedly said it will obtain ballot access to all 50 states, has collected enough signatures for 14 states, the equivalent of 187 electoral college votes, or 35 per cent of the total available.

“Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s strength, character, and selfless dedication to defend and protect our democracy is a beacon of hope for all Americans,” said Kennedy’s Texas State Director Kim Limberg in a statement.

“Lone Star State volunteers echo this sentiment and believe RFK Jr. is the best person to lead this country.”

The announcement came on the same day the campaign announced it would sue Meta, owner of Facebook, for earlier this month temporarily banning a Kennedy campaign video alleging political interference.

“If supporters of all candidates do not have equal access to the digital public square, then we have a democracy in name only,” Kennedy said.

“This goes beyond restricting freedom of expression on issues and ideas. Meta is censoring a biographical film about a major candidate in an election year. How can voters make an informed choice if they are denied basic information about a candidate’s life?”