Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has selected California tech lawyer and political newcomer Nicole Shanahan as his vice presidential running mate.
Shanahan, a 38-year-old entrepreneur, epitomizes Kennedy’s promise of bringing nontraditional choices to the White House.
Driving the news: Kennedy introduced Shanahan as a young partner who can champion the concerns of millennials and Gen Z Americans. Shanahan is described as a fellow lawyer, brilliant scientist, technologist, and a fearsome mom. She emphasizes the importance of new generation leadership that understands the threats faced by young people today.
- Shanahan significantly funded Kennedy’s campaign through a $4-million investment and previously helped plan and pay for a television advertisement for him.
- Kennedy’s choice of running mate signals his intention to campaign in states beyond the usual swing states that are key to deciding an election’s outcome.
- Shanahan’s selection as Kennedy’s running mate will likely draw attention to some of Kennedy’s past extreme statements and controversies associated with him.
What they’re saying: Kennedy believes that Shanahan’s background in technology will enable her to fight against the unchecked power of big tech companies and government regulators who have become mere “sock puppets” for corporate America.
- Kennedy’s campaign will be doing more campaigning in California, with the candidate set to appear in Los Angeles alongside former Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva, who endorsed Kennedy several months ago.
