Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was disqualified from appearing on the New York general election ballot after a judge on Monday ruled his nomination petitions falsely claiming a New York residence were invalid.
Judge Christina Ryba ruled that Kennedy’s New York address as his “place of residence” was a “false statement” that made it clear he had no plans to return to the Empire State, and said he only listed that location. Political gain. Raiba’s ruling is expected to be appealed by the August 15 deadline. If his ruling is upheld, it would bar Kennedy from the New York ballot and trigger challenges in other states that have used a suburban New York address to collect signatures.
“The overwhelmingly credible evidence introduced at trial established Kennedy’s connections [New York] The address was on paper only and was maintained for the sole purpose of maintaining his voter registration and political standing in New York State,” Ryba wrote.
In court last week, Kennedy testified that he had considered New York his home since childhood and wanted to return. He explained that he temporarily moved to California with his wife in 2014 and is currently renting a room at a woman’s house in New York.
The owner of the house, Barbara Moss, testified that Kennedy paid $500 a month for her room. He added that Kennedy spent only one night at the house and received his first rent payment from him on May 20 this year.
In a statement, the Kennedy campaign condemned the “clearly partisan ruling” and vowed to continue the legal fight.
“The ruling comes despite the fact that Kennedy is registered to vote in New York, has had his primary residence in New York since 1964, pays taxes in New York, has a New York driver’s license, legal license and practice law in New York, and his falconry license and other recreational licenses are in New York.” The statement said.
“We intend to pursue injunctive relief in the Southern District of New York. If state court judges ignore the Constitution, federal courts must step in to protect voters’ rights,” said campaign senior attorney Paul Rossi.
“Democrats show contempt for democracy,” Kennedy said in the statement.
“They don’t believe they can win at the ballot box, so they are trying to stop voters from choosing. We will appeal and we will win,” he said.
The The case against Kennedy is supported by a clear selection processDemocratic-affiliated super PACs work to block third-party candidates in presidential elections.
“Today’s ruling makes clear that Mr. Kennedy lied about his residence, provided a false address on his New York filings and candidate petitions, intentionally misled election officials and betrayed the trust of voters,” said Pete Kavanaugh, founder of Clear Choice Action. “In the coming days and weeks the Kennedy team will no doubt file a desperate case; they will fail, and that will not change the simple fact: He lied, and he is being held accountable.”
The super PAC has taken legal action against Kennedy in Pennsylvania and filed an objection to his candidacy in Illinois. Other Democratic Party coalition parties are leading Similar efforts are underway in Nevada and Delaware.
“The RFK Jr. running for president is the same RFK Jr. portrayed in this story: a deeply uncaring, reckless and dangerous man. He doesn’t think the rules apply to him, and he refuses to consider the consequences of his actions,” said DNC spokesman Matt Corridoni. “That’s why he’s in this election.” Willing to play spoiler for Donald Trump, and why he supported Trump in exchange for a job in the Trump administration. Consider the devastating impact his actions will have on the American people.”
Following the New York ruling, Corridoni added, “We will evaluate our options in other states based on this ruling.”
The Kennedy campaign did not respond to requests for comment.
