If you’ve been scouring the news trying to figure out when to cast a ballot for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., you aren’t alone. The confusion is real. People are still searching for his name, looking for dates, and wondering if they missed a deadline.
Honestly, the answer isn’t what most folks expect.
The short version? There isn't a presidential vote for RFK Jr. coming up anymore. He actually suspended his independent campaign back in August 2024 and threw his weight behind Donald Trump. But that doesn't mean the "vote" part of the story is over. While he isn't running for president right now, he just went through a massive official vote in the U.S. Senate.
The Senate Confirmation: When Is the Vote for RFK Jr. Actually Happening?
If you are looking for a current "vote" regarding Bobby Kennedy, you’re likely thinking of his confirmation to the Cabinet. After the 2024 election, President Trump nominated Kennedy to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
The most recent, and perhaps most significant, vote for RFK Jr. happened on February 13, 2025.
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This wasn't a vote by the general public. It was a high-stakes roll call in the Senate. The chamber was split, but Kennedy was ultimately confirmed with a 52-48 vote. It was pretty tense. Almost every Democrat voted "nay," citing his controversial stances on vaccines and public health. Meanwhile, Republicans—and even a couple of independent-leaning voices—pushed him through, eager to see his "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) agenda in action.
Why People Are Still Asking About the 2024 Election Vote
It’s kinda weird how much staying power his name has on the ballot. Even though he "dropped out" (or technically suspended his campaign) in August 2024, his name didn't just vanish.
Kennedy tried to play a strategic game. He wanted his name taken off the ballots in "battleground" states like Arizona, Pennsylvania, and Michigan so he wouldn't "spoil" the race for Trump. But in "safe" states—think New York or California—he initially said he was fine staying on.
This led to a total mess.
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- Legal Battles: States like Michigan and Wisconsin actually refused to take him off the ballot because he’d already met the deadline.
- The Result: When the actual election happened in November 2024, thousands of people still voted for him. In Minnesota, for instance, he pulled in about 0.74% of the vote.
- Confusion: Because his name was physically there on the paper in many precincts, people are still searching for "when is the vote for RFK" as if there’s a second round or a special election coming up.
There isn't. The 2024 presidential cycle is done and dusted.
What’s He Doing Now?
Since that February vote in the Senate, Secretary Kennedy has been busy. He isn't campaigning for votes anymore; he's issuing directives. Just last week, in early January 2026, he and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins basically flipped the American food pyramid upside down.
They released the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025–2030. It’s a massive shift. They’re targeting ultra-processed foods and added sugars while being much friendlier to things like red meat and full-fat dairy. If you were looking for a vote because you support his health policies, you don't need to wait for an election—you’re seeing the results of his appointment right now.
Misconceptions About a 2026 "Midterm" Vote
Sometimes people get confused and think a high-profile figure like Kennedy might be up for a vote during the 2026 midterms.
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That’s not how Cabinet positions work.
As the Secretary of HHS, he serves at the pleasure of the President. He won't be on your ballot in November 2026. Unless he decides to resign and run for a Senate seat or a Governorship—which, let’s be real, seems unlikely given his current power over the nation's health agencies—you won't be seeing "RFK Jr." in a voting booth for a while.
Actionable Insights for Following RFK Jr.
Since there is no upcoming public vote for RFK Jr., here is how you can actually engage with his work or stay informed:
- Monitor HHS Policy Changes: Keep an eye on the HHS.gov press room. This is where the actual "votes" (in the form of policy decisions) are happening now. The new dietary guidelines are just the start.
- Track Senate Oversight: Since he was confirmed by a narrow 52-48 margin, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee will be watching him like a hawk. Their hearings are public and usually live-streamed.
- Check Local Ballot Laws: If you are still curious about why he was on your ballot last time, look up your specific state’s "ballot access" laws. It’ll explain why some candidates can’t "un-run" once they’ve signed the paperwork.
- Watch for 2028: If Kennedy’s time in the Cabinet goes well (or even if it doesn't), the next time you might actually see a "vote for RFK" in a booth would be the 2028 primary or general election cycle.
The "vote" for Kennedy has moved from the hands of the voters to the halls of Washington. If you’re looking to support his "Make America Healthy Again" movement, the focus now is on legislative support and public health advocacy rather than checking a box on a ballot.