Sources familiar with the plans of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s presidential campaign have disclosed his intention to select Nicole Shanahan, a notable attorney and entrepreneur from the San Francisco Bay Area, as his vice presidential running mate. Shanahan, like Kennedy, lacks prior political experience but has significantly contributed to his campaign and associated super PAC.
The Kennedy campaign has arranged an announcement event scheduled for later Tuesday in Oakland, California. This decision is pivotal for Kennedy’s campaign, given the varied ballot access rules independent presidential candidates face across different states. In many states, independents must submit their nomination papers with a designated running mate, and deadlines for these submissions are rapidly approaching.
During his search for a vice presidential candidate, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. explored several potential running mates, including New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura, former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, and TV host Mike Rowe. Rowe recounted his interview with NBC News, detailing discussions about key policy positions and Kennedy’s defense of his anti-vaccine stance.
However, insiders close to Kennedy disclosed that he ultimately zeroed in on Nicole Shanahan, who had previously been involved in producing a notable Super Bowl ad supporting Kennedy in February. Shanahan confirmed her role in creating the ad and revealed her $4 million contribution to the super PAC American Values 2024 last month for its broadcast. Federal campaign finance records show a $4 million donation to the super PAC on Jan. 31 from Planeta Management LLC, a company resembling Shanahan’s venture fund, Planeta Ventures.
Joining Kennedy’s ticket offers Shanahan an avenue to directly inject her wealth into the campaign instead of routing it through an external group. This empowers Kennedy to utilize the funds for critical initiatives such as gathering petition signatures for ballot access.
According to Federal Election Commission regulations, individuals vying for the vice presidency can contribute unlimited funds to their campaign, akin to presidential candidates, provided the ticket opts out of public funding.
Nicole Shanahan, transitioning from a tech lawyer and entrepreneur to a philanthropist, has deep roots in California’s tech landscape. She founded ClearAccessIP, a company leveraging AI technology to assist patent holders in managing their intellectual property, which was subsequently acquired by IPwe in 2020.
Shanahan’s personal life has intersected with prominent figures in the tech industry. She tied the knot with Google co-founder Sergey Brin in 2018, though their marriage concluded in divorce in 2022. Reports from The Wall Street Journal alleged Shanahan’s involvement with billionaire Elon Musk, an assertion that both Shanahan and Musk have rebutted. Despite denials, The Wall Street Journal has maintained its reporting.