Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has successfully qualified for the presidential ballot in Hawaii, following a ruling that blocked an effort by Hawaii Democrats to disqualify his campaign’s ballot access petition. This marks the third state where Kennedy has officially gained ballot access, with Michigan and Utah being the other states where he has qualified earlier this year.
The ruling, issued by hearings officer Aaron Schulaner, stated that the objection filed by the Democratic Party of Hawaii did not meet its burden of proof, allowing the Kennedy campaign’s We the People Party to appear on Hawaii’s ballot in November. The Hawaii Office of Elections confirmed that Kennedy will be on the state’s ballot, with both the Kennedy campaign and the Democratic Party of Hawaii refraining from immediate comment.
The Democratic Party of Hawaii’s objection focused on the validity of the We the People Party’s internal organization, accusing the Kennedy-aligned party of violating its bylaws and state laws by including individuals who were previously registered as Democrats or not registered voters in its leadership. Despite this, Kennedy’s campaign has also gained enough signatures to qualify for the ballot in several other states such as North Carolina, New Hampshire, Nevada, Nebraska, Idaho, and Iowa, with a super PAC supporting him collecting enough signatures in Georgia, Arizona, and South Carolina.
Kennedy’s candidacy has faced opposition from Democrats nationally, with multiple complaints filed by the Democratic National Committee against his campaign and efforts to portray him as a spoiler candidate who would benefit former President Donald Trump. However, Kennedy’s team has pushed back on these claims, stating that donors from various political backgrounds are supporting their campaign due to their desire for an independent candidate who can unite the country, address various issues like corporate influence, and end the chronic disease epidemic.
Initially launching his campaign as a Democrat challenging Biden in the primary last year, Kennedy later shifted to running as an independent in October. Last month, he announced attorney Nicole Shanahan as his vice presidential nominee at a campaign rally in Oakland, California. With his presence on the Hawaii ballot secured, Kennedy is moving forward with his independent campaign, aiming to offer voters an alternative to the two-party system and address key issues facing the nation.
