LANSING, Mich. – In a recent ruling, a Michigan judge determined that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. must remain on the November presidential ballot, thwarting his efforts to strategically remove his name from the battleground state. Kennedy had previously suspended his campaign and thrown his support behind former President Donald Trump in August. Despite this, he has sought to withdraw from states like Michigan where the race is tight while remaining on the ballot in states where his presence may not impact the outcome between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Kennedy filed a lawsuit against Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson in Michigan’s Court of Claims to withdraw his name, but his request was rejected by election officials. The dispute escalated when a Court of Claims judge upheld the decision on Tuesday, citing Michigan law that candidates nominated by a minor party cannot withdraw.

In response, Kennedy argued that his withdrawal was timely and that keeping his name on the ballot could invalidate voters’ choices. He has also filed a similar lawsuit in North Carolina to revoke his candidacy.

The legal battle involving Kennedy and other third-party candidates like Cornel West has become a focal point in several states. Both Democrats and Republicans are closely monitoring these candidates as they could potentially sway the election results.

As the political landscape intensifies, the public eagerly awaits the final decisions concerning these controversial ballot placements.