Robert F. Kennedy Jr., running as an independent candidate, is anticipated to name California lawyer Nicole Shanahan as his vice presidential choice, a departure from speculated contenders such as NFL icon Aaron Rodgers.
The Wall Street Journal reported this potential pairing on Tuesday, highlighting Shanahan’s background as an attorney and entrepreneur with significant tech industry connections and a commitment to abortion rights activism.
Despite her lack of widespread public recognition, Shanahan’s involvement as president of the Bia-Echo Foundation positions her as a valuable asset in sectors like reproductive rights, criminal justice reform, and environmental advocacy.
Kennedy, a 70-year-old member of the renowned Kennedy political dynasty, has not yet confirmed his decision publicly.
Both his campaign and Shanahan have remained silent on the matter, according to Reuters inquiries.
With a professional foundation in environmental law and a vocal opposition to vaccines, Kennedy aims to leverage Shanahan’s selection to bolster his campaign’s credibility and appeal amidst widespread dissatisfaction with the major political parties.
The upcoming 2024 election, wherein reproductive rights stand as a contentious issue, especially with Republican candidates advocating for stricter abortion laws, sets the backdrop for this strategic move.
Shanahan herself made headlines for her role in a controversial Super Bowl advertisement, which despite facing criticism within the Kennedy family, underscored her advocacy and creative influence.
Further complicating Shanahan’s profile is her past marriage to Google co-founder Sergey Brin and her prior political contributions, primarily to Democratic candidates.
Amidst escalating efforts by pro-Biden groups to undermine Kennedy’s candidacy, the latest polls suggest Kennedy trails behind both President Joe Biden and Donald Trump, with a support rate of 15% among registered voters.
Kennedy’s campaign, distinct for its outsider stance and critical of the current political establishment, has seen significant fundraising success, raising over $27 million this election cycle.
His policy proposals, including reforms aimed at easing home ownership and reducing corporate subsidies, seek to resonate with voters disillusioned with mainstream political choices.
As Kennedy finalizes his vice presidential nominee, his campaign emphasizes the importance of selecting a partner aligned with his vision for transformative change in American politics, signaling a concerted effort to redefine the electoral landscape.