Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Residency Ruling Leaves Him Unable to Vote in Los Angeles Mayoral Race

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told reporters that a court decision has left him with “no legal residence,” preventing him from casting a ballot in the upcoming Los Angeles mayoral election between incumbent Karen Bass and councilmember Nithya Raman. Kennedy described the situation as a “dilemma” in which he cannot legally vote in any state.

The Independent

The ruling came from Judge Christina Ryba of New York, who found that Kennedy’s claim on his 2024 presidential nominating papers that he lived in Katonah, Westchester County, was “a sham.” Ryba noted that the rented room Kennedy said he occupied was “highly improbable, if not preposterous” and concluded his true permanent address was in Los Angeles. Kennedy appealed the decision, but the appeal was denied. Following the ruling, the watchdog group Accountability.US filed a complaint alleging that Kennedy voted in New York’s 2024 election using the disputed Katonah address, accusing him of voter fraud.

The Independent

Kennedy’s residency dispute follows a series of legal battles with the Democratic Party, which sued to remove him from ballots in 12 states during his 2024 presidential run and again after he endorsed President Donald Trump. After suspending his campaign, Kennedy endorsed Trump and was later confirmed as Trump’s choice to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. His tenure has been marked by controversial public statements on vaccines and personal anecdotes that have drawn widespread media attention.

The Independent

Kennedy has indicated he is seeking a resolution before the next election, though no specific legal remedy or timeline has been announced. The unresolved residency issue may affect his ability to participate in future elections unless a court overturns the prior ruling or he establishes a new, verifiable domicile.

The Independent