Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has officially qualified for the ballot in Michigan, a crucial battleground state with the potential to influence the outcome of the 2024 presidential election. Kennedy and his running mate Nicole Shanahan were nominated by the Natural Law Party, a minor party that has ballot access in the state. The Michigan Secretary of State’s office confirmed the party’s nomination, paving the way for Kennedy to appear on the state’s ballot. This development could have a significant impact on the electoral dynamic in Michigan, which has been heavily contested by both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.
In both the 2020 and 2016 elections, Michigan’s results were decided by less than 1% of the vote, highlighting the state’s importance in the presidential race. A recent poll by the Wall Street Journal showed Kennedy polling at 12% among Michigan voters, trailing behind Trump at 39% and Biden at 37% in a hypothetical six-candidate ballot. In a head-to-head matchup between Trump and Biden, Trump received 48% support from Michigan voters, while Biden earned 45% support. Kennedy’s presence on the ballot in Michigan adds another dimension to an already competitive race in the state.
Michigan is the second state where Kennedy has qualified for the ballot, with Utah being the first. His campaign has stated that they have collected enough signatures to appear on the ballot in several other states, including New Hampshire, Hawaii, Nebraska, Idaho, North Carolina, Iowa, and Nevada. American Values 2024, a super PAC supporting Kennedy’s presidential bid, has also gathered enough signatures to place him on the ballot in four states, including Michigan. However, their signature-gathering operation has been the subject of a complaint filed by the Democratic National Committee with the Federal Election Commission, alleging illegal coordination with the Kennedy campaign. As a result, the PAC suspended its signature-gathering activities in March.
Kennedy’s candidacy and presence on the ballot in Michigan could potentially shift the dynamics of the presidential election in the state, where both major parties have historically faced close contests. As a viable independent candidate, Kennedy’s platform and policies could appeal to a diverse range of voters who are looking for alternatives to the two major parties. With his growing presence in multiple states and the support of a super PAC, Kennedy’s campaign is gaining momentum and has the potential to impact the outcome of the 2024 presidential election. The race in Michigan and other key battleground states is likely to be closely watched in the coming months as the election approaches, with Kennedy’s candidacy adding an element of unpredictability to the already competitive race.
