Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Accused of Hatch Act Violation in Iowa

Senator Ron Wyden has filed a complaint with the U.S. Office of Special Counsel alleging that Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. violated the Hatch Act by contacting two Libertarian candidates in Iowa congressional races. On June 8, Kennedy called Marco Battaglia, a Libertarian candidate for the 3rd district, and on June 11 he spoke with Rick Stewart, running in the 2nd district. According to recordings, Kennedy referenced his official role and offered to act as a “liaison with the White House,” which Wyden described as an illegal quid‑proquo to persuade the candidates to withdraw.

Battaglia was later removed from the ballot after legal challenges to his paperwork, while Stewart remains on the ballot pending appeal. The complaint argues that Kennedy used his health‑department position to influence election outcomes, a breach of the 1939 Hatch Act that restricts political activity by federal employees. The HHS department has denied the allegation, calling it “untrue,” and no formal finding has been made yet.

The investigation request highlights concerns about the use of federal authority in swing‑district politics and could set a precedent for how cabinet members engage in electoral matters.