Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has secured a spot on Hawaii's presidential ballot after a ruling on Friday dismissed efforts by Hawaii Democrats to disqualify his campaign's ballot access petition. This marks the third state where Kennedy has officially qualified for ballot access, having already gained access in Michigan and Utah.
The ruling, issued by hearings officer Aaron Schulaner, stated that the objection filed by the Democratic Party of Hawaii did not meet the burden of proof required. As a result, Kennedy's campaign's We the People Party, a minor party established to navigate ballot access requirements, will be included on Hawaii's ballot in November.
A spokesperson from the Hawaii Office of Elections confirmed that Kennedy will indeed appear on the state's ballot. Both the Kennedy campaign and the Democratic Party of Hawaii have yet to comment on the ruling.
The objection raised by the Democratic Party of Hawaii focused on the internal organization of the We the People Party, alleging violations of bylaws and state laws. Kennedy's campaign, however, maintains that it has gathered enough signatures to qualify for the ballot in several other states.
Despite opposition from Democrats nationally, including multiple complaints filed by the Democratic National Committee, Kennedy's campaign continues to gain momentum. The campaign has emphasized attracting donors from various political backgrounds who seek an independent candidate to address issues such as corruption, the middle class, wars, corporate influence, and chronic diseases.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., aged 70, initially entered the presidential race as a Democrat challenging Biden in the primary before transitioning to an independent candidacy last year. Recently, he announced attorney Nicole Shanahan, aged 38, as his vice presidential nominee at a campaign rally in Oakland, California.
