RFK Jr.'s New York Residency Under Scrutiny: Is He Really Running for President?

RFK Jr.'s New York Residency Under Scrutiny: Is He Really Running for President?

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is facing a lawsuit challenging his eligibility to be on the New York ballot. The lawsuit claims that Kennedy doesn't actually live in New York, despite listing a residence in the state's nominating petition.

A key witness in the case, Barbara Moss, testified that Kennedy rents a room in her Katonah home for $500 a month. Moss said that the payments only began after a news article questioned Kennedy's residency claim, and that the initial payment was for $6,000, equal to a year's back rent.

Kennedy's legal team maintains that he has lived in New York since he was 10 years old, and that his move to California was only temporary for his wife's career. However, the owners of a previous residence where Kennedy claimed to have stayed disputed this account, stating he was never a tenant.

The lawsuit was brought by Clear Choice PAC, a group supporting Democratic President Joe Biden, who see Kennedy as a potential threat to their candidate's chances. The case will be decided by a judge without a jury.

Despite facing long odds, Kennedy has the potential to do better than any independent presidential candidate in decades thanks to his famous name and a loyal base. Both Democratic and Republican strategists are concerned that he could negatively affect their candidate's chances in the election.