Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been running for president this election season as an independent, may run on the Libertarian Party ticket.
Kennedy and Libertarian Party Chairwoman Angela McArdle have spoken since he appeared at the party’s California convention last month, according to Politico, which added the two have been talking about the party’s nomination process since July.
In the Libertarian Party, the nomination is “decided by unbound delegates at the national convention this May in Washington,” per the outlet.
“A lot of people came out. We broke records all the way across the board as far as revenue brought in [and] attendance,” said California party Chair Adrian F. Malagon of the convention in February. “I know that a lot of libertarians were excited to see him. But ultimately, it’s up to the delegates at the national convention.”
The marriage of Kennedy and the Libertarian Party would be mutually beneficial as he brings name recognition and the party brings supporters with money.
Kennedy’s presidential journey stated with him running as a Democrat. He announced the he was going to run as an independent and now is being courted by the Libertarian Party.
“It’s go time, but if he whips — as we call it — whips for votes, then he could do it,” McArdle told Politico. “Kennedy is a real dark horse.”
McArdle wanted Kennedy to come to the state convention and California seemed to fit the bill since it has a large delegation that attends the national convention, which Kennedy may also attend, per Politico.
At this point, it appears Kennedy is open for anything.
“The Kennedy campaign is keeping all its options open,” campaign spokeswoman Stefanie Spear said in a statement.
Kennedy’s platform aligns with many in the Libertarian Party, including his stance against vaccine mandates after COVID-19.
To date, Kennedy is only on the ballot in Utah.
“Ballot access is a logistical, bureaucratic and sometimes litigious obstacle for third party and independent candidates. Kennedy has already sued multiple states over ballot petition deadlines that he has argued are unconstitutionally early,” Politico reported.
This is when the Libertarian Party would come in handy as it is on the ballot in 36 states, according to Ballotpedia.
“There are benefits to having someone have that kind of notoriety and bringing the ballot access issue to the forefront. Now whether that’s enough to convince delegates at the national convention, should he throw his hat in the ring, will be a different story,” McArdle said. “But I think it would be pretty silly to not acknowledge the actual benefits.”
