Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. submitted more than twice as many signatures as necessary to gain ballot access in Texas for November’s general election.

The Details: Part of Kennedy’s Texas success is thanks to the help of paid petitioners who have helped the presidential hopeful exceed the 100,000 minimum. His campaign has also claimed to have made the ballot or submitted enough signatures for access in 13 other states. In some states, he has secured nominations from lesser-known independent parties, and in other states that are “easier” than Texas, he is relying on the work of volunteers.

Ballot Access: Texas is known for having difficult ballot requirements. Ballot access isn’t confirmed until state officials certify the signatures. Outside legal challenges can arise as well; however, Kennedy has already won several legal challenges on ballot access this year. 

For Context: In February, the Democratic National Committee filed a legal complaint against Kennedy and the American Values 2024 PAC for allegedly transferring $15 million from the PAC to Kennedy’s campaign in efforts to get Kennedy on ballots in key states. Kennedy’s campaign has since cut working with the PAC and is re-collecting signatures in places it supported him — Georgia, Arizona, and South Carolina.

How The Media Covered It: The New York Post (Lean Right bias) framed Kennedy as a threat to Trump. Politico (Lean Left bias) described Kennedy’s campaign team as “rookie” but touted their accomplishments in gaining ballot access and highlighted positive commentary from a ballot access expert.