A judge in Albany, New York is currently deliberating on whether independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. falsely claimed to reside in the state, as he seeks to secure a spot on the November ballot. The trial, which took place in Albany, ended without an immediate decision from Justice Christina Ryba. It is anticipated that any ruling made by the trial judge will be subject to appeal.
The lawsuit, supported by a Democrat-aligned PAC and brought forth by voters, alleges that Kennedy's New York nominating petitions inaccurately listed a residence in the affluent northern suburbs of New York City. The plaintiffs claim that Kennedy has actually been residing in the Los Angeles area since his marriage to actor Cheryl Hines in 2014.
If the judge rules in favor of invalidating Kennedy's petition, he would be removed from the 2024 ballot by the New York Board of Elections. Furthermore, this decision could potentially lead to legal challenges in other states where Kennedy's campaign used the same address.
During the trial, Kennedy, aged 70, testified that his move to California a decade ago was intended to be temporary and that he plans to return to New York, where he has lived since he was 10 years old. Following the conclusion of the trial, Kennedy expressed his belief that the individuals who signed his petitions should have the opportunity to vote for him, emphasizing the importance of providing voters with choices.
Kennedy stated that he rents a room in a friend's home in Katonah, located approximately 40 miles north of midtown Manhattan. However, he admitted to only having slept in that room once due to his extensive campaign travel commitments.
In his closing arguments, Kennedy's attorney asserted that the evidence clearly demonstrates Kennedy's residency in Los Angeles and characterized the efforts to establish him as a New York resident as a 'sham'.
