RFK Jr. Pulls Out of Arizona Ballot Ahead of Anticipated Campaign Exit Announcement

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. took a significant step toward ending his presidential bid on Thursday, filing paperwork to withdraw from the ballot in Arizona. This move comes just one day before a scheduled announcement in Phoenix today, where Kennedy is expected to officially end his campaign.

According to a report from Axios, Kennedy, along with his running mate Nicole Shanahan and the 11 electors for his independent campaign, submitted the necessary documents to the Arizona Secretary of State's Office.

RFK Jr. may endorse Trump

The timing of Kennedy's withdrawal has sparked speculation about a potential endorsement of former President Donald Trump. Trump, who has been actively campaigning in Arizona, visited the U.S.-Mexico border on Thursday and is set to hold a rally in Glendale on Friday. Trump's campaign has hinted at a "special guest" for the rally, adding to the conjecture that Kennedy might publicly support Trump.

Here is what you need to know

Kennedy's campaign had been struggling to gain traction against two historically unpopular candidates, Trump and President Joe Biden. Throughout the year, Kennedy polled around 10%, with some fluctuation in swing states. However, his momentum faced a significant setback with the entry of Vice President Kamala Harris into the race. It isn't exactly clear if the energy for Harris will last beyond the ‘honeymoon’ phase. 

A recent Pew Research Center survey indicated that Harris's increased support has largely come from voters who previously leaned toward Kennedy. As a result, Kennedy’s departure from the race could potentially benefit Trump, as he historically performs better in polls when fewer third-party candidates are in the mix.

Kennedy’s decision to withdraw from the Arizona ballot is a notable shift in the dynamics of the presidential race, with implications that extend beyond the state and could influence the broader election landscape.