Robert F. Kennedy Jr. took himself off the ballot in Arizona, a state elections official said late Thursday, fueling speculation about the independent candidate’s future.
“RFK Jr.’s campaign filed official paperwork with our office today withdrawing him from AZ’s 2024 election,” Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes said on X.
Mr. Kennedy is scheduled to speak in Phoenix on Friday about “the present historical moment and his path forward” while former President Donald Trump is in nearby Glendale.
Mr. Kennedy is expected to drop out and join forces with Mr. Trump.
The Trump campaign teased a “special guest” at his Arizona event.
Mr. Kennedy has been trying for months to get on state ballots and grow his campaign.
SEE ALSO: Democratic Party revels in expected end of RFK Jr.’s campaign
He won support from comedians, podcasters and other corners of the electorate but failed to gain widespread traction beyond awkward headlines about his policy stances and personal history.
Mr. Kennedy is known for his decades of championing progressive causes related to the environment and corporate abuses. He also crusaded against vaccines, a stance that gained popularity on the right amid resistance to COVID-era mandates.
His mix of stances made it hard for pundits to agree on whether he would take away more votes from Mr. Trump or the Democratic nominee.
The Democratic Party, however, launched a concerted effort to keep Mr. Kennedy off the ballot in several states and hit his campaign his numerous lawsuits.
Mr. Trump says Mr. Kennedy, the son of former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of President John F. Kennedy, was treated poorly by Democrats despite his background in the party.
The ex-president told “Fox & Friends” he would be “honored” to have Mr. Kennedy’s support.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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