Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will remain on the presidential ballot in Wisconsin following a ruling by Dane County Circuit Judge Stephen Ehlke, who stated that state law mandates candidates stay on the ballot unless they die. Despite suspending his campaign in August and endorsing Donald Trump, Kennedy's name will influence the competitive race between Trump and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. Ehlke dismissed Kennedy’s lawsuit challenging the different treatment of third-party candidates, asserting that there is no constitutional right to withdraw from the ballot after filing nomination papers. The Wisconsin Elections Commission had previously ruled that Kennedy missed the August 6 deadline for withdrawal. With ballots already printed and logistical issues concerning removal, Kennedy's appeal options are limited. Kennedy had argued that the laws unjustly discriminate against independent candidates, but the judge emphasized adherence to existing statutes.