Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaking at an event/Photo by Gage Skidmore (cropped photo) — Creative Commons license.
UPDATE AUGUST 23 2024: This story was originally published with the title “If RFK Jr. Drops Out, Will He Remain on the Texas Ballot?” Kennedy has since dropped out. The original story is included at the end of this article.
Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has dropped out of the race and endorsed former President Donald Trump. According to the Texas Secretary of State, Kennedy will no longer appear on the ballot in Texas.
Kennedy’s withdrawal announcement was made on the last day he could have removed his name from the Texas ballot according to state law. According to Kennedy, he is also seeking to be removed from the ballot in swing states, though he plans to remain on the ballot in most solidly red or blue states.
Independent Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is set to make a major campaign announcement on Friday. According to several sources, Kennedy is expected to drop out and endorse former President Donald Trump.
With the potential of Kennedy dropping out, The Amarillo Pioneer looked into whether or not he will remain on the Texas ballot if he does indeed withdraw.
With Kennedy out of the race in Texas, voters in the Lone Star State will see Republican Donald Trump, Democrat Kamala Harris, Libertarian Chase Oliver, and Green Jill Stein on the ballot. Voters will also have several write-in options, including Shiva Ayyadura, Claudia de la Cruz, Peter Sonski, and Cornel West.
Original story below:
Section 192.063(a) of the Texas Election Code states the following:
The name of an independent presidential candidate and the name of the candidate's running mate shall be omitted from the ballot if the presidential candidate withdraws, dies, or is declared ineligible on or before the 74th day before presidential election day.
The deadline this year will be Friday, August 23rd, the same date as Kennedy plans to make his campaign announcement. This seems to imply that he might be able to have his name removed from the ballot, though that remains to be seen.