RFK Jr. Names Nicole Shanahan as Independent Presidential Running Mate
Kennedy Selects Nicole Shanahan as Running Mate
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced on Tuesday that he has chosen Nicole Shanahan, a prominent California attorney and entrepreneur, as his running mate for his independent presidential bid. Kennedy introduced Shanahan at an event in Oakland, describing her as a representative for millennials and Gen Z, focusing on issues such as child welfare, environmental protection, soil restoration, and food safety, as well as the impact of technology on society’s freedom and prosperity.
Shanahan, aged 38, known for her high-profile divorce from Google co-founder Sergey Brin, emerged as a leading contender for Kennedy, given her substantial financial support to his campaign. She contributed $4 million to the Kennedy super PAC American Values 2024 and played a role in producing a campaign ad aired during the Super Bowl.
Kennedy’s presidential bid is currently only on the general election ballot in Utah. The announcement of Shanahan as his running mate follows a recent dispute with the Nevada Secretary of State’s office regarding the validity of signatures on his petition due to the absence of a vice presidential candidate.
Now that Kennedy has named a vice presidential pick, his campaign plans to collect signatures in 19 additional states requiring a running mate for ballot access. Among the states targeted are Alabama, Florida, Massachusetts, and Ohio.
There are some of the name Kennedy had considered
Kennedy had previously hinted at potential vice presidential candidates, including football star Aaron Rodgers, former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura, former Democratic Representative Tulsi Gabbard, and television personality Mike Rowe.
Aaron Rodgers, 40, an unvaccinated New York Jets football player, is a leading contender for Kennedy’s running mate, sharing skepticism towards vaccine mandates.
Kennedy eyed former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura, 72, as a top choice, although Ventura disagreed with Kennedy’s vaccine stance.
Tulsi Gabbard, 42, didn’t deny being approached by Kennedy but refrained from commenting further. She praised Kennedy’s intentions but also spoke favorably of former President Trump at CPAC in February.
Former “Dirty Jobs” host Mike Rowe, aged 62, disclosed to CNN that he was contacted by Kennedy regarding a potential running mate position. Their conversation revolved around vocational training and Rowe’s foundation, mikeroweWORKS.
