Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s sudden withdrawal from the Arizona presidential ballot sparked speculation about a potential alliance with Donald Trump. The move has the potential to reshape the 2024 presidential race.
Kennedy and his running mate, Nicole Shanahan, submitted notarized withdrawal letters to Arizona’s Secretary of State late Thursday, Aug. 22, just hours before the state’s ballot printing deadline.
Their withdrawal coincides with scheduled appearances by both RFK and Trump in the Phoenix area, intensifying speculation about his campaign’s future.
A super PAC supporting Kennedy reportedly explored the possibility of Kennedy endorsing Trump in exchange for a possible post in a future Trump administration.
This week, Shanahan said in an interview that the campaign was considering joining forces with Trump.
The former president expressed openness to Kennedy playing a role in his administration if endorsed. Trump told CNN he would be “honored” by Kennedy’s support but avoided any firm commitments.
“I like him a lot. I respect him a lot. I probably would if something like that would happen. He’s a very different kind of a guy; very smart guy. And yeah, I would be honored by that endorsement,” Trump said.