Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is set to announce his running mate in Oakland, California, as his campaign faces questions about ballot access in several states that require a named vice presidential candidate during the petition process. Some names that have been circulating include NFL player Aaron Rodgers, former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura, and wealthy Democratic donor Nicole Shanahan. The Kennedy campaign has kept the name secret and emphasized transparency and honesty in their campaign strategy, despite the media hype surrounding the “Veepstakes.”
One potential candidate for Kennedy’s running mate is Nicole Shanahan, an affluent attorney and entrepreneur known for her high-profile divorce from Google co-founder Sergey Brin. Shanahan has contributed $4 million to the super PAC supporting Kennedy and was involved in coordinating the production of a Super Bowl ad highlighting his campaign. Her financial resources could be vital for Kennedy’s campaign, which faces the expensive challenge of obtaining ballot access requiring millions of dollars and hundreds of thousands of signatures.
Another candidate under consideration is NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who shares Kennedy’s skepticism of COVID-19 vaccines. Rodgers, who confirmed his unvaccinated status in 2021, has expressed beliefs in bodily autonomy and individual choice regarding health decisions. Kennedy has named Rodgers as a leading candidate for his running mate, highlighting their shared perspectives on vaccine issues.
Kennedy has also spoken with former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura about potentially serving as his running mate. Ventura, known for his background in professional wrestling, has indicated a willingness to consider the position despite differing views on vaccine opposition. Tulsi Gabbard, former Democratic Rep. of Hawaii, has not denied being approached by Kennedy but has not confirmed her involvement, instead choosing to defer to Kennedy’s statements. Mike Rowe, the former host of “Dirty Jobs,” has also been in talks with Kennedy about potentially running for public office.
Ultimately, Kennedy’s decision on a running mate will have significant implications for his campaign moving forward, especially as he navigates ballot access challenges and seeks to build a strong team to support his presidential bid. The choice of a vice presidential candidate will also provide insight into the values and priorities of Kennedy’s campaign, particularly regarding issues such as vaccine skepticism and vocational training opportunities. As the announcement date approaches, the speculation and excitement surrounding Kennedy’s pick for running mate will continue to build as supporters and critics alike wait to see who will join his ticket in the race for the White House.
