All articles tagged with #independent candidacy
After losing the Democratic primary to Zohran Mamdani, former Governor Andrew Cuomo announced he will run as an independent in the NYC mayoral race, criticizing Mamdani's slogans and emphasizing his experience, setting the stage for a more competitive general election against incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who is also running as an independent.
Andrew Cuomo, after conceding the Democratic primary to Zohran Mamdani, is reconsidering his plans to run as an independent in the NYC mayoral race, amid a shifting political landscape and his recent primary defeat.
New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez, currently on trial for federal bribery charges, has filed to run for reelection as an independent candidate. Menendez, who has denied the charges, aims to bypass the Democratic primary and appear on the November ballot. His decision could impact the Democrats' narrow control of the Senate, with U.S. Rep. Andy Kim favored to win the Democratic primary. Menendez's previous federal trial in 2017 ended in a deadlocked jury.
U.S. Senator Robert Menendez, facing federal corruption charges and lacking support from top Democrats, has filed to run as an independent for re-election in New Jersey. This move allows him to continue raising campaign funds for legal expenses and keeps open the possibility of a comeback if exonerated. Menendez's candidacy could impact the closely watched Senate race, potentially aiding Republicans in a state that has long favored Democrats. His trial is ongoing, with a verdict expected this summer.
The chair of the Libertarian National Committee expressed confusion over Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s choice of Nicole Shanahan as his vice presidential pick, citing her past support for President Biden and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Kennedy, who switched to an independent White House bid, has fueled speculation about joining the Libertarian Party's ticket, but the committee emphasizes the need for alignment with their views on individual and economic freedom, expressing a preference for a "radical" candidate.
Former President Donald Trump openly expressed support for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s independent presidential run, acknowledging that it could potentially spoil President Joe Biden's chances of winning. Trump's allies, including Steve Bannon, have reportedly backed Kennedy's candidacy to siphon support away from Biden. Recent polling suggests that Kennedy's run may give Trump an advantage over Biden, particularly in swing states. Kennedy has secured ballot access in Utah and is working to qualify in other states, with his recent selection of Nicole Shanahan as his vice presidential pick aiming to appeal to disaffected voters.
Former U.S. Rep. George Santos of New York, expelled from Congress and facing federal fraud charges, announced his decision to leave the Republican Party and run as an independent in a bid to return to Congress. Santos criticized the GOP's recent actions and is challenging Republican Rep. Nick LaLota in the GOP primary. He has pleaded not guilty to charges and a trial is tentatively scheduled for September. New York Republicans have criticized Santos, with one stating that his resignation from the party is good for commonsense conservatives.
Sen. Bob Menendez, facing federal corruption charges, announced he will not seek reelection in the Democratic primary but hopes for exoneration to run as an independent Democrat. Despite pressure to resign, Menendez has pleaded not guilty to charges of accepting bribes and providing sensitive information. The New Jersey Democratic primary is becoming contentious, with Rep. Andy Kim and Tammy Murphy, the state's first lady, vying for the seat.
Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia announced that he will not run for president in 2024, dispelling speculation about a potential third-party bid that could have impacted the election. Manchin, who had previously stated he would not seek re-election to his Senate seat, emphasized the importance of supporting a unifying presidential candidate for the country. His decision eases concerns among Democrats that his candidacy would split votes and potentially benefit former President Donald Trump.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. apologized to his family for a Super Bowl ad promoting his independent presidential candidacy that drew criticism from the Kennedy family for using images of their late uncle and mother. The ad, created and aired by the American Values Super PAC, cost an estimated $6-7 million and featured images of RFK Jr. in place of President John F. Kennedy. Despite the apology, RFK Jr. continued to promote the ad on social media. He initially announced his presidential bid as a Democrat but later switched to running as an independent, meaning he will not appear on the California primary ballot.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is considering running for president as a Libertarian due to challenges in gaining ballot access as an independent candidate. He has a good relationship with the Libertarian Party and has qualified for the ballot in Utah, with potential access in New Hampshire. His campaign has filed paperwork to create new political parties in several states to lower signature thresholds. While this may reduce the number of signatures needed, some states require a certain number of voters to register for the new party, presenting a different challenge for ballot access.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s decision to run for president as an independent rather than as a Democrat has caused relief within the Kennedy family, particularly for his brother Chris Kennedy. The Kennedy family had engaged in discussions and attempts to dissuade Robert from running, as his candidacy was seen as potentially damaging to either President Joe Biden or former President Donald Trump. While some family members denounce Robert's move, Chris believes that running as an independent will allow Robert to impact President Trump and potentially draw more Republican support, ultimately benefiting Biden.