RFK Jr. endorses Trump amid challenges in key swing states

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suspended his independent presidential campaign in August 2023 and endorsed Donald Trump, aiming to enhance Trump's chances in critical swing states. Kennedy's strategy involved removing his name from ballots in states where Trump could benefit from a direct contest against Kamala Harris. However, his plan has faced significant obstacles, as he remains on the ballot in North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Michigan, limiting the potential electoral advantage for Trump. In Michigan, a court ruled against Kennedy's challenge to withdraw, while Wisconsin's Elections Commission decided to keep him on the ballot. North Carolina's State Board of Elections also upheld his inclusion, despite Kennedy's legal efforts to change this. These developments are particularly concerning for Trump, as polling indicates he would perform better in a head-to-head matchup against Harris without Kennedy's presence. Kennedy's continued candidacy in these states diminishes the anticipated boost for Trump, leaving only Arizona and Pennsylvania as states where Kennedy's exit could potentially aid the Republican nominee. In contrast, polling in Nevada and Georgia suggests that Trump's lead may actually decrease if the race narrows to just two candidates. Despite these setbacks, Kennedy's endorsement may still benefit Trump by appealing to undecided voters who are dissatisfied with the mainstream candidates. With the election approaching, the dynamics of the race remain fluid, and the impact of Kennedy's endorsement will be closely monitored.