Robert F. Kennedy Jr. files paperwork to challenge Biden in 2024


Environmental lawyer and vocal anti-vaccine advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to enter the 2024 presidential race as a Democrat, CNN reports. His campaign treasurer, John E. Sullivan, confirmed the filing Wednesday. Kennedy will make an official statement regarding his candidacy on April 19 in Boston, his campaign office said.
Kennedy first expressed interest in a presidential run last month on Twitter. "If it looks like I can raise the money and mobilize enough people to win, I'll jump in the race," he said. If he runs, his priority would be to "end the corrupt merger between state and corporate power," which he claims has ruined the economy, middle class, and landscapes.
Kennedy is "the son of former New York senator, U.S. attorney general, and assassinated 1968 presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy," CNN explains, "and the nephew of the late President John F. Kennedy." Should he follow through with his bid, he "would be the latest in a long line of family members to enter politics."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Kennedy also has a long history of vaccine skepticism, CNN says. He has been known to promote misinformation about links between vaccines and autism, as well as since-debunked claims about the COVID-19 vaccine, the latter of which earned him an Instagram ban. He also founded the anti-vaccine organization, Children's Health Defense. In 2019, three of his relatives denounced his anti-vaccine views in a Politico Magazine op-ed, arguing that he was "part of a misinformation campaign that's having heartbreaking — and deadly — consequences."
Kennedy is "the second Democrat to launch a long-shot bid ahead of President Biden's expected announcement of another presidential run," says The Washington Post — author and "self-help guru" Marianne Williamson launched a campaign for the Democratic nomination last month.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Theara Coleman has worked as a staff writer at The Week since September 2022. She frequently writes about technology, education, literature and general news. She was previously a contributing writer and assistant editor at Honeysuckle Magazine, where she covered racial politics and cannabis industry news.
-
Gavin Newsom mulls California redistricting to counter Texas gerrymandering
TALKING POINTS A controversial plan has become a major flashpoint among Democrats struggling for traction in the Trump era
-
6 perfect gifts for travel lovers
The Week Recommends The best trip is the one that lives on and on
-
How can you get the maximum Social Security retirement benefit?
the explainer These steps can help boost the Social Security amount you receive
-
Gavin Newsom mulls California redistricting to counter Texas gerrymandering
TALKING POINTS A controversial plan has become a major flashpoint among Democrats struggling for traction in the Trump era
-
President diagnosed with 'chronic venous insufficiency'
Speed Read The vein disorder has given Trump swollen ankles and visible bruising on his hands
-
'Bawdy' Trump letter supercharges Epstein scandal
Speed Read The Wall Street Journal published details of Trump's alleged birthday letter to Epstein
-
Fed chair Powell in Trump's firing line
Speed Read The president considers removing Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell
-
Trump trashes supporters over Epstein files
speed read The president lashed out on social media following criticism of his administration's Jeffrey Epstein investigation
-
Judge nixes wiping medical debt from credit checks
Speed Read Medical debt can now be included in credit reports
-
Grijalva wins Democratic special primary for Arizona
Speed Read She will go up against Republican nominee Daniel Butierez to fill the US House seat her father held until his death earlier this year
-
US inflation jumps as Trump tariffs 'bite'
Speed Read Consumer prices are climbing and the inflation rate rose to its highest level in four months