DNC panics as RFK Jr. wins ballot access

Written by Erin Spellman

What’s happening: Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has qualified for ballot access across several states, including closely contested battlegrounds Nevada and Georgia. The Democratic National Committee (DNC) is on the offensive — fearful that he'll siphon votes away from President Joe Biden.

• Shake up: Previously, Kennedy’s candidacy seemed to threaten both Republicans and Democrats. But it appears now to be hurting Biden and aiding former president Donald Trump. In January, a Harvard/Harris poll found Trump widening his lead over Biden from 6 to 8 points with the inclusion of Kennedy on the ballot.

• Big plans: Kennedy has reportedly chosen his running mate and will reveal the name within two weeks.

Strong backing: Candidates unaffiliated with a major political party can attain ballot access through grassroots petitioning in each state. The Pro-Kennedy American Values super PAC pledged $15 million towards the complicated signature-gathering effort.

The pushback: The DNC heightened attacks on the anti-establishment candidate's campaign including filing a complaint with the Federal Election Commission last month alleging that RFK Jr. is illegally coordinating with American Values super PAC to collect signatures and committing campaign finance violations. The DNC has a history of legal attacks against electoral enemies.

Why it matters: The DNC is fearfully aware that Biden’s unpopularity provides Kennedy an opening among Democratic voters. His persistence against the DNC’s legal tactics and in securing ballot placements across the country may allow him to break up the two-party system. Democrats have more to worry about in this election than the other major party or inner-party primary challengers.