ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) A judge ruled Monday that independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. falsely claimed a New York residence on nominating petitions, invalidating the documents he needs to appear on the ballot in the state.

The ruling from Justice Christina Ryba after a short trial in state court is expected to be appealed. If upheld, it could open the door to challenges in other states where Kennedy used the address in New York Citys northern suburbs to gather signatures.

The lawsuit backed by a Democrat-aligned political action committee claims Kennedys state nominating petition falsely listed a residence in well-to-do Katonah, while he actually has lived in the Los Angeles area since 2014, when he married Curb Your Enthusiasm actor Cheryl Hines.

Kennedy argued during the trial that he has lifelong ties to New York and intends move back.