At a campaign rally in Oakland, California, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced Nicole Shanahan as his vice presidential pick. Shanahan, a Silicon Valley attorney and entrepreneur, has shown support for Kennedy since his time in the Democratic primary. She praised Kennedy for his intelligence, compassion, and advocacy on important issues that are often overlooked by the government, expressing hope for democracy.
Shanahan’s youth and background in the tech world’s anti-establishment rhetoric may help expand Kennedy’s base of support. While Shanahan has been more cautious in her statements about vaccines than Kennedy, she has questioned their safety, suggesting that pharmaceutical medicines, including vaccines, could be linked to rising rates of autism in children. Shanahan’s financial backing may also provide a boost to Kennedy’s campaign efforts to get on the presidential ballot in all 50 states.
Raised in Oakland by parents facing mental health challenges and financial struggles, Shanahan has emphasized her low-income roots and the impact of growing up in a family that relied on welfare. Despite later wealth, she remains committed to using her resources to help those in need. Shanahan, previously married to Google co-founder Sergey Brin, made significant contributions to Kennedy’s Super PAC, assisting in producing an ad that aired during the Super Bowl but faced criticism from some Kennedy family members.
Formerly a Democrat, Shanahan announced she is leaving the party due to feeling they have lost their way. Before aligning with Kennedy, she supported Democratic campaigns and labeled herself a lifelong Democrat. Shanahan has expressed support for Kennedy’s environmental advocacy and stance on vaccines, emphasizing the need for dialogue on vaccine safety without being labeled an “anti-vaxxer.” Kennedy, known for his skepticism towards vaccines, has spread misinformation on the topic through Children’s Health Defense.
Shanahan’s work focuses on reproductive longevity and equality, criminal justice reform, and a healthy planet through her Bia-Echo Foundation. She shared her personal journey with reproductive health and caring for her daughter with autism, highlighting concerns about the cumulative impact of pharmaceutical medicines on children’s health. Despite her high-profile divorce from Sergey Brin and rumors of an affair with Elon Musk, Shanahan remains committed to her professional career and advocacy work.
Educated in Asian studies and economics, Shanahan earned a law degree before becoming a CodeX fellow at Stanford Law School. She has faced challenges in her personal and professional life, including public scrutiny and criticism, particularly related to her divorce and alleged affair. Shanahan remains dedicated to her mission of supporting communities in need and advocating for meaningful change.
