Robert Kennedy Jr. has chosen a wealthy California attorney as his running mate, according to reports.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has selected a wealthy California attorney, Nicole Shanahan, as his running mate for his independent presidential campaign. This move is significant as he aims to secure a place on state ballots for the November election.
Nicole Shanahan, aged 38, is an attorney who currently serves as the president and director of the Bia-Echo Foundation—a charitable organization that focuses on investing in causes such as reproductive longevity and equality, criminal justice reform, and a healthy and livable planet.
Robert Kennedy Jr., son of the former U.S. Attorney General and nephew of former President John F. Kennedy, is well-known for his work as an environmental lawyer. However, in recent years, he has gained attention for his anti-vaccine advocacy and promotion of conspiracy theories.
Kennedy’s independent candidacy has raised concerns among both Democrats and Republicans, who fear he may draw support away from the two major parties. Despite these concerns, he announced his choice of running mate in Oakland on Tuesday.
The announcement was accompanied by speeches criticizing pandemic restrictions and alleged censorship. Kennedy and Shanahan share similar values, ranging from education and agriculture to skepticism of “Big Pharma” and the government.
Shanahan, with no prior political experience, has strong connections to California’s tech industry. She was previously married to Sergey Brin, the co-founder of Google. While she has made financial contributions to Democrats in the past, including President Biden, she has recently become a key supporter of a pro-Kennedy super PAC, contributing $4 million towards a $7 million ad that aired during the Super Bowl.
At the Oakland event, Shanahan highlighted her background in tech and her commitment to addressing the rise in chronic disease as qualities that will inform her role in Kennedy’s campaign. She emphasized their shared vision of national healing and an America that leads by example rather than force.
The decision to choose a political newcomer as a running mate, who can bring significant financial support to the campaign, comes as Kennedy strives to secure a spot on the ballot in all 50 states. The campaign estimates that this requires at least a million signatures on petitions, each complying with different rules and deadlines.
So far, Kennedy’s campaign and the supporting super PAC claim to have gathered enough signatures to qualify for several states, including battlegrounds like Nevada, Arizona, Georgia, and Michigan.
Kennedy had previously mentioned that his list of potential running mates included Aaron Rodgers, the quarterback for the New York Jets, and Jesse Ventura, a former Minnesota governor and professional wrestler. Both individuals have faced controversy in recent years due to their views on vaccines and other subjects.
Shanahan clarified in a recent interview that she has been vaccinated against COVID-19. She believes it’s unfair to label Kennedy or anyone else as “anti-vaxxers” and emphasizes the importance of objectively funding scientific research.
According to the latest campaign finance filings, Kennedy has reported nearly $28 million in contributions, with approximately $19 million coming from over 67,000 donors who contributed more than $200. The pro-Kennedy American Values 2024 PAC has raised over $42 million and spent $24 million in support of his candidacy.