Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will remain on the Michigan ballot after a federal judge ruled against his last-minute attempt to have his name removed. This decision follows a similar ruling by the Michigan Supreme Court, which upheld Kennedy's placement on the state ballot. Kennedy had filed a federal lawsuit after his unsuccessful attempt to be removed from the ballot in the state case.
District Judge Denise Hood cited potential harm to the minor party that nominated Kennedy in Michigan as a key factor in her decision to keep his name on the ballot. The minor party had initially granted Kennedy a spot on the ballot, and removing him could have had negative consequences for the party.
Kennedy, who had been running as an independent candidate, announced his withdrawal from the race last month and endorsed former President Donald Trump. Despite his withdrawal, Kennedy's name will still appear on the ballot for the upcoming election in Michigan.
Mail-in voting in Michigan is set to begin on September 26, with ballots for overseas and military voters required to be sent out by this Saturday. The decision to keep Kennedy on the ballot ensures that voters will have the opportunity to consider his candidacy in the upcoming election.