Nicole Shanahan, the Vice Presidential candidate for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s independent campaign, revealed in a recent interview that they are contemplating a significant strategic shift. This shift could involve joining forces with Republican nominee Donald Trump instead of continuing their presidential bid.
In her discussion on the “Impact Theory” podcast, Shanahan highlighted two potential paths for their campaign. One option is to remain in the race to capture over 5% of the popular vote, aiming to solidify their position as a viable third-party alternative to the dominant Republican and Democratic parties. This strategy could also enhance their chances for ballot access in the 2028 elections.
Shanahan expressed concerns about the risk associated with this choice, stating, “There’s a risk of a Kamala Harris and Walz presidency because we draw votes from Trump.” The alternative is to “join forces” with Trump and communicate this decision to their supporters.
Acknowledging the complexity of these choices, she added, “Not easy, not an easy decision.” When asked if she would consider a run for governor of California if they exit the presidential race, Shanahan confirmed her interest in being involved in California politics.
While it remains uncertain if Kennedy and Shanahan’s supporters would lean towards Trump if they withdrew, some polls indicate that including Kennedy in the race might strengthen Vice President Harris against Trump in key swing states.
During the interview, Shanahan emphasized her commitment to winning the election, stating, “I did not put in tens of millions of dollars to be a spoiler candidate.” She reiterated their goal was to strive for victory and effect positive change in the country.