Court orders Kennedy’s name removed from Michigan ballots

A Michigan court ordered Friday that former independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s name be removed from the state’s general election ballot, overturning previous efforts to keep his name on the ballot.

The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled that Kennedy, who suspended his White House bid in August and endorsed former President Trump, can have his name withdrawn from Michigan’s ballot. The decision, written by a three-judge panel, is a win for the environmental lawyer. 

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson (D) previously denied Kennedy’s request, and a lower court ruled Kennedy’s name must remain on the ballot. Friday’s decision overturns those rulings.

“While the request was made close to the deadline for defendant to give notice of candidates to local election officials, it was not made so late that laches should apply,” the three-judge panel wrote, referring to the doctrine that would let a court deny a push for relief because an opposing party was slow to act.

“Additionally, we conclude that the absence of any statutory authority prohibiting his withdrawal gave plaintiff a clear legal right to have his name removed from the ballot. Defendant had no ability to disregard that request,” added the judges, Michael Gadola, Mark Boonstra and Mark Cavanagh.

Angela Benander, spokesperson for the Michigan secretary of state’s office, said in a statement to The Hill that the office will be “appealing to the Michigan Supreme Court.” 

Kennedy has pushed to have his name removed from the ballot in battleground states such as Michigan, saying he wants to ensure he won’t be a spoiler in places where Trump and Vice President Harris are locked in a tight race.

Kennedy is suing to get his name off the ballot in Wisconsin, after the state’s election commission opted to keep him on.

On Friday, a North Carolina judge halted the Tar Heel State from distributing mail-in ballots that have Kennedy’s name on it.

Harris currently leads Trump by less than 2 points in Michigan, according to a polling index from The Hill and Decision Desk HQ.