Shanahan, 38, a big-ticket donor to Kennedy’s campaign, shares many of his views on issues such as the environment and public health — and is also a former member of the Democratic Party.
As expected, independent presidential aspirant Robert F. Kennedy Jr. tapped little-known Silicon Valley attorney and entrepreneur Nicole Shanahan to be his running mate Tuesday.
Shanahan, 38, a big-ticket donor to Kennedy’s campaign, shares many of his views on issues such as the environment and public health — and is also a former member of the Democratic Party.
“I wanted a vice president who shared my passion for wholesome, healthy foods; chemical-free regenerative agriculture; for good soils. And I found exactly the right person,” Kennedy Jr. proclaimed before unveiling Shanahan as his No. 2 Tuesday in Oakland.
Here’s what you need to know about Shanahan, a political neophyte who has never held any kind of elected office before.Differences with RFK Jr.
Despite Kennedy, 70, painting Shanahan as a kindred spirit, she hasn’t always seen eye to eye with him.
Shanahan was an early backer of Kennedy when he was running for the Democratic nomination against President Biden.
But when Kennedy switched his party affiliation to independent last October, Shanahan was left feeling “incredibly disappointed” and cut back on her donations, according to the New York Times.
But by the start of 2024, Shanahan started coming back around and was taken aback by the support the son of the late Attorney General and senator from New York was receiving. Shanahan bankrolled RFK Jr.’s campaign
Shanahan has funneled $4.5 million to a Super PAC backing Kennedy, the bulk of which bankrolled a Super Bowl ad that mirrored his uncle John F. Kennedy’s 1960 campaign spots — reportedly at Shanahan’s suggestion.
She also gave $6,600, the maximum allowed, directly to Kennedy’s campaign during the Democratic primary, according to Federal Election Commission records.
The Silicon Valley lawyer and investor also has a history of donating to Democrats, including $2,800 to spiritual guru Marianne Williamson’s 2020 bid, followed by $25,000 to the Biden Victory Fund in 2020.
During the 2016 election cycle, she donated $5,400 to Hillary Clinton’s presidential bid and later sent money to Democratic congressional hopefuls in 2018.
Shanahan also funds a variety of causes that Kennedy Jr.
