Democrats Block Third-Party Candidate in Pennsylvania

— Pennsylvania Democrats have successfully challenged the Party for Socialism and Liberation's attempt to secure a spot on the state’s presidential ballot, at least temporarily. A Commonwealth Court judge ruled that the party's candidate, Claudia De la Cruz, was disqualified due to significant flaws in their filing paperwork. Specifically, seven of the party's 19 presidential electors were registered Democrats, violating state law that prohibits minor-party candidates from having electors affiliated with major parties within 30 days of a primary election. The ruling, issued by Judge Bonnie Brigance Leadbetter, highlighted that six of the electors had participated in the Democratic primary on April 23, raising questions about their eligibility to support a third-party candidate. Adam Bonin, a lawyer aligned with the Democratic Party, emphasized the inconsistency of these electors' actions. The Party for Socialism and Liberation has not yet indicated whether it will appeal the decision. In a related development, a lawyer with strong ties to the Republican Party is working to assist independent candidate Cornel West in his bid to appear on the ballot. The Secretary of State's office, under Democratic leadership, is contesting the legal challenges, arguing that the Party for Socialism and Liberation failed to submit necessary affidavits for a majority of its electors by the required deadline. As the legal battles unfold, Democrats are also pursuing a challenge against independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., while Republicans are contesting the Constitution Party's filing, reflecting a broader trend of partisan maneuvering surrounding third-party candidacies in Pennsylvania.