Trump’s conviction prompts election-year debate among Democrats: How much to focus on the verdict?

Vice President Kamala Harris, presiding over proceedings as the role of the office, read the tally.

The outgoing U.S. senator said he had been “blessed” by the opportunity to perform public service and highlighted what he recounted as key successes throughout his career.

Thursday's filing comes six weeks before the Aug. 1 deadline. Kennedy must file 5,000 signatures of registered voters to qualify for the state ballot.