Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s long-shot presidential campaign spent 2 ½ times more than it raised in May, the latest sign of the independent candidate’s cash crunch at a pivotal moment in the race.
His campaign reported just $6.4 million on hand at the end of the month, down from $10 million the previous month. That total — and the likelihood that he will not qualify for the first presidential debate next week — represents a major challenge for Kennedy as he continues to work to gain ballot access across the country.
Kennedy has proven to be one of the strongest third-party candidates in a generation in polls. But weak fundraising threatens to undermine his ability to seriously challenge, or serve as a spoiler for, President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.
The latest numbers highlight how Kennedy has failed to expand his fundraising base as the general election looms. His running mate, lawyer Nicole Shanahan, could be the campaign’s biggest financial lifeline. But while she has heavily supported the campaign previously, she didn’t put more money in last month.
