Christian Smith
WASHINGTON (NewsNation) — Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has less than a month to meet the criteria deadline set by CNN join President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump on the debate stage.
Although his numbers aren’t there yet, RFK’s campaign team remains hopeful.
“We anticipate meeting all participation criteria by June 20 and look forward to offering American voters the three-way debate they deserve,” Amaryllis FoxKennedy campaign director, said on X.
First Presidential Debate Requirements
CNN will host the first presidential debate on June 27, and the network has announced certain criteria that candidates must meet to take the stage. Each must appear on enough state ballots to reach 270 electoral votes and receive at least 15% support in four national polls.
Kennedy stated Tuesday that he met the signature requirement to qualify for the ballot in New York, another key campaign advance in a blue stronghold that could be key in the battle for the House.
The independent presidential candidate has collected more signatures than needed to compete in New York, according to a campaign official who announced the development Tuesday. The campaign said it has turned in more than 135,000 signatures to the New York State Board of Elections.
The addition is notable for its 28 electoral votes, but also for its possible ripple effect on negative votes. Kennedy appearing on the ballot could inspire greater turnout and potentially play a role in several House races that are expected to be critical in Democrats’ battle for control of the lower chamber.
Kennedy’s electoral qualification in New York would mean that the presidential candidate would now have access to the vote in eight states.
Kennedy’s team also announced that it had collected enough signatures in nine other states to be placed on the ballot, equating to 229 combined electoral votes. This leaves the presidential candidate 41 electoral votes short of qualifying for the debate.
RFK Jr.’s growing national support
Initially, Kennedy entered the race as a Democrat, but began running as an independent. By challenging Biden and Trump, he has attracted voters who are not looking for a repeat of 2020.
Since then, Kennedy has received at least 15% support in three nationally recognized surveys and came close in a few others. Kennedy received 17% support in a Marquette University Research since the beginning of May, 16% support in a CNN/SSRS Survey since the end of April and 16% support in a Quinnipiac University survey also from the end of April.
The presidential candidate has until June 20 to meet the debate criteria, that is, seven days before the debate is held in Georgia without an audience present.
If Kennedy qualifies, he would be the first third-party candidate to participate in a presidential debate in 32 years.
The Hill contributed to this report.
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