Robert F. Kennedy Jr. chose tech attorney and entrepreneur Nicole Shanahan to be his running mate.
Shanahan, who has never run for office before, donated the maximum amount to Kennedy’s campaign and $4 million to the chief super PAC backing his bid to air a retro-themed Super Bowl commercial. In addition to backing American Values 2024, she also gave $500,000 to another super PAC backing Kennedy, Common Sense PAC. Both donations were made through an LLC, Planeta Management.
Kennedy said he was searching for a running mate who understood technology, government agencies’ vulnerability to corruption, the need for secure borders and an athlete.
“So that is why I’m so proud to introduce to you the next vice president of the United States, my fellow lawyer, a brilliant scientist, technologist, a fierce warrior mom, Nicole Shanahan,” Kennedy said in Oakland, California. Shanahan was raised in Oakland by a mother who was a Chinese immigrant and a white American father who suffered from mental illness. Tickets for the announcement event were sold for $2, $24 or $500.
Kennedy has been searching for a vice presidential candidate to join his independent bid since quitting the Democratic Party primary last October. The short list was wide-ranging, including NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers, motivational speaker Tony Robbins, Sen.
Rand Paul
(R-Ky.) and ex-Democratic Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.