Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Independent Presidential Campaign Faces Financial Strain Amid Super PAC Support

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s independent presidential campaign is facing a financial challenge as it spends more than it raises, according to the latest financial report filed with the Federal Election Commission.

Financial Strain

In January, Kennedy's campaign spent over $3.2 million while raising less than $2.7 million, highlighting the financial strain faced by his independent bid. With a little over $4.8 million remaining in his campaign account by the end of January, the report underscores the financial hurdles his campaign is encountering.

The report revealed that security services represented the largest expense category, with nearly $430,000 paid to the firm of Gavin de Becker, a security consultant with a unique loan arrangement with the super PAC supporting Kennedy's campaign. Other major expenditure categories included over $330,000 on staff salaries, more than $260,000 on digital media services and digital and internet advertising, $202,000 on campaign merchandise, and $169,000 on event catering and facilities expenses.

Challenges and Ballot Access Efforts

Kennedy's campaign has been focused on securing ballot access in various states, with ongoing petition drives in at least a dozen states. While the campaign has qualified to be on the ballot in Utah and New Hampshire, it has encountered challenges in gaining access to more states. To address this, Kennedy's operation has heavily relied on super PACs, particularly the American Values 2024, which committed to spend between $10 and $15 million to secure Kennedy's spot on the ballot in ten large states.

Legal Challenges and Donor Support

The financial activities of the super PAC supporting Kennedy's campaign have drawn scrutiny, leading to a complaint from the Democratic National Committee with the Federal Election Commission. The complaint raises concerns about the group's spending being considered an in-kind contribution to the campaign, potentially surpassing legal limits. While the outcome of the complaint remains uncertain, it reflects the seriousness with which Democrats are approaching Kennedy's ballot-access efforts.

Kennedy's fundraising has seen substantial support from small donors, with approximately one in every three dollars raised in January coming from contributors giving less than $200. However, the campaign has also received significant contributions from donors surpassing the $200 threshold, and supportive super PACs have contributed seven-figure sums to alleviate the financial strain.