Kennedy's NY Residency Challenged in Court, Property Owner Testifies

In a recent court proceeding, the residency of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an independent presidential candidate, has come under scrutiny. The case, heard in Albany, New York, centers around Kennedy's claim of residence in Katonah, a hamlet in Westchester County.

Barbara Moss, the property owner, testified that Kennedy pays $500 monthly for a room in her Katonah home. Moss, who has owned the property since 1991, stated there is no written lease agreement. She presented photographic evidence of Kennedy's belongings in the room and confirmed he regularly receives mail at the address.

The lawsuit, brought by Clear Choice PAC, a group supporting President Biden, alleges that Kennedy has actually resided in Los Angeles since 2014. This claim contradicts Kennedy's assertion of New York residency, which is crucial for his inclusion on the state's ballot in the upcoming November election.

Kennedy's legal team argues that the 70-year-old candidate has lived in New York since childhood, with only a temporary relocation to California due to his wife's career. Cheryl Hines, Kennedy's spouse, is known for her role in the television series "Curb Your Enthusiasm".

The case has revealed some discrepancies in Kennedy's residential history. The initial $6,000 payment to Moss, equivalent to a year's rent, was made on May 20, 2024, just after media reports questioned his residency claim. Additionally, testimony from the owners of a nearby property contradicted Kennedy's account of his previous living arrangements.

"I once had dinner in a California home the candidate shares with Hines."

This legal challenge highlights the complexities independent candidates face in securing ballot access across different states. With New York's 28 electoral votes at stake, the outcome of this case could significantly impact Kennedy's campaign strategy.

The judge will decide the case without a jury, determining whether Kennedy's New York nominating petition will be invalidated. This decision will be crucial for Kennedy's ability to appear on the New York ballot in the 2024 presidential election.

As the son of former New York senator Robert F. Kennedy, the candidate has deep ties to the state. However, his recent environmental activism and work with organizations like Riverkeeper have taken him across the country, complicating the residency issue.

This case underscores the importance of residency requirements in presidential campaigns and the potential impact of ballot access laws on independent and third-party candidates. As the legal proceedings continue, the political landscape of the 2024 election remains in flux, with each state's ballot potentially shaping the overall electoral map.