Kennedy Urges Libertarians to Withdraw from Races

A Washington Post investigation has revealed that U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. personally contacted two Iowa Libertarian congressional candidates this month, encouraging them to withdraw from their races as Republicans work to retain control of the U.S. House of Representatives. The conversations have drawn national attention after one of the candidates recorded the call and Kennedy reportedly described himself as acting as a “liaison with the White House.”

According to the Post, Kennedy telephoned Rick Stewart, the Libertarian candidate in Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District, on June 11. During the conversation, Kennedy argued that Democrats could regain control of the House if Republican candidates lose closely contested races and suggested Stewart consider ending what he described as a “symbolic run.”

Kennedy also referenced his own decision to suspend his 2024 presidential campaign and endorse Donald Trump. During the recorded conversation, Kennedy reportedly told Stewart “If you want to work with us, I will be your advocate.”

When Stewart asked what opportunities might exist, Kennedy responded that he could not discuss specifics because of “legal prohibitions,” but suggested they could talk further if Stewart was interested. Stewart ultimately declined the proposal and told both the Washington Post and the Des Moines Register that he intends to remain in the race.

According to the Washington Post, Kennedy had also contacted Marco Battaglia, the Libertarian candidate in Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District, with a similar request earlier this month. Battaglia likewise declined to withdraw.

Iowa Races Viewed as National Battlegrounds

The administration’s outreach reflects the growing national importance of Iowa’s congressional races. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report recently shifted Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District from “Likely Republican” to “Lean Republican,” while Iowa’s 3rd District is rated a “Toss-Up.”

With Republicans holding only a narrow majority in the U.S. House, even a handful of closely contested districts could determine which party controls Congress after the November election.

The Post reported that Kennedy’s calls came after Trump political adviser James Blair reportedly asked him to contact the Libertarian candidates because they might be receptive to his message.

Ethics Questions Raised

Government ethics experts interviewed by the Post questioned whether a sitting Cabinet secretary should become directly involved in congressional races while serving in federal office.

Although no formal allegations have been filed, legal experts noted that Kennedy’s actions could raise questions under the federal Hatch Act or other statutes governing political activity by executive branch officials, depending on the circumstances.

Kennedy referred questions from the Washington Post to a spokesperson, who did not immediately respond.

Stewart: Campaign Continues

Stewart told the Des Moines Register he was not surprised by attempts to persuade him to leave the race, noting that both major parties have strong incentives in competitive elections.

He rejected the assumption that Libertarian candidates necessarily draw votes from Republicans. “The reason to be in the race is to give voters the chance to vote for something that they actually like as opposed to two things that they hate,” Stewart told the newspaper.

Stewart remains on the November ballot alongside Democrat Lindsay James, Republican Joe Mitchell, and independent Dave Bushaw in Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District.

Our Take

This story is significant not because one political campaign attempted to persuade another candidate to leave a race, campaigns have long sought strategic advantages, but because the reported outreach came from a sitting member of the President’s Cabinet.

Whether Kennedy’s actions ultimately violated any law remains an open question. That determination belongs to ethics officials and, if necessary, the courts.

However, the episode raises broader questions about the appropriate role of senior executive branch officials in electoral politics. Cabinet secretaries wield significant public authority, and any direct involvement in active political campaigns deserves careful public scrutiny.

The incident also underscores Iowa’s growing importance in national politics. Once viewed as reliably Republican, Iowa is increasingly being treated as a battleground state where gubernatorial, Senate, and congressional races could influence the balance of power in Washington.

As national attention increases, Iowans can expect greater involvement from outside political organizations, party committees, and high-profile national figures. That makes transparency, accountability, and public confidence in the electoral process more important than ever.