Robert F. Kennedy Jr, an independent presidential candidate known for his controversial views on vaccines and conspiracy theories, announced Nicole Shanahan as his running mate for the 2024 US presidential race. The announcement was made in Oakland, positioning Shanahan, a tech lawyer and philanthropist, as a key figure in Kennedy’s campaign. Shanahan, 38, brings a background as a former CEO of a legal tech firm and a fellow at Stanford Law School, with the intent to appeal to younger voters and utilize her expertise in technology, especially regarding its influence on voters through artificial intelligence.

Kennedy’s choice of Shanahan, who was previously married to Google co-founder Sergey Brin and has faced controversy including allegations of an affair with Elon Musk, is seen as a strategic move to garner support from younger demographics and those disillusioned with mainstream political figures. The campaign aims to challenge the dominance of older candidates such as Joe Biden and Donald Trump in the political sphere. However, there are concerns about the potential for Kennedy’s candidacy to split votes and impact the election outcome unfavorably for Democrats.

Shanahan’s contribution to Kennedy’s campaign and her shared views on vaccination safety have prompted scrutiny and debate. Critics, including healthcare professionals, express skepticism about her qualifications and the implications of the campaign’s stance on public health.

The Kennedy-Shanahan ticket, while facing hurdles in securing ballot access across all 50 states, represents an unconventional challenge to the traditional two-party system, aiming to offer voters an alternative choice in the presidential election. As they move forward, their campaign and platform are under close observation from various quarters of the political landscape.