Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an independent candidate for the presidency, is set to reveal on Tuesday that Nicole Shanahan, a prominent lawyer and entrepreneur from the San Francisco Bay Area, will be his choice for vice president. This decision comes from two individuals who are well-acquainted with Kennedy’s campaign strategy.
Shanahan, who has never sought elected office before, much like Kennedy, has been a supporter of his campaign and associated super PAC.
The campaign has organized a public announcement event, which is scheduled to take place in Oakland, California, later on Tuesday.
This pivotal moment in Kennedy’s campaign is underscored by the unique challenges faced by independent presidential candidates. These challenges include navigating the varied state-by-state requirements for ballot access, which often involve collecting thousands of signatures. Moreover, in over half the states, independents must file their nominating papers alongside a declared running mate, with some of these deadlines looming on the horizon.
During his search for a vice-presidential candidate, Kennedy considered several notable figures, including New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura, former Democratic Representative Tulsi Gabbard, and television host Mike Rowe. Rowe shared insights with NBC News about his interview with Kennedy, during which Kennedy outlined his key policy positions and justified his stance against vaccines.
This strategic move by Kennedy to select Shanahan as his running mate marks a significant development in his campaign, as he prepares to meet the upcoming state filing deadlines and further solidify his position in the presidential race.