RFK Jr. disqualified from New York ballot over false residence claim, judge rules

Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been disqualified from appearing on New York's general election ballot after a judge ruled Monday that he falsely claimed a New York residence on his nominating petitions, leading to their invalidation.

Judge Christina Ryba ruled that Kennedy's claim of a New York address as his "place of residence" was a "false statement," concluding that it was evident he had no plans to move back to the Empire State and said he only listed the location for political gain. Ryba's ruling is expected to be appealed by the Aug. 15 deadline. If her ruling is upheld, it would bar Kennedy from the New York ballot and potentially spark challenges in other states where he used a New York suburban address to collect signatures. 

"The overwhelming credible evidence introduced at trial established that Kennedy's connections with the [New York] address existed only on paper and were maintained for the sole purpose of maintaining his voter registration and political standing in the State of New York," Ryba wrote.