Robert F. Kennedy, son of Senator Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of former US President John F. Kennedy, has announced he would run for president as a third-party candidate next year, defying tradition in the Kennedy political dynasty’s allegiance to the Democratic Party and challenging Trump and Biden 2024 presidential campaigns.
While talking to reporters, Kennedy Jr. said he was dropping his bid for the Democratic nomination and would instead run as an independent.
Kennedy Jr. said he did “not make the decision lightly” and that “it’s very painful for [him] to let go” of the Democratic Party, enumerating his family’s long history in Democratic politics.
Since he announced his campaign in April, Kennedy Jr. has condemned both the Republican and Democratic parties, saying their leaders are corrupt and accusing the Democratic National Committee of “rigging” the primary election by refusing to host debates and changing the election calendar.
The polling figures of Kennedy are historically high for a third-party candidate, and he could garner votes from both party’s nominees.
While making the announcement, he said: “I’m here to join you in making a new Declaration of Independence for our nation.”
