Nicole Shanahan became a political star in California two weeks ago when Robert F. Kennedy Jr. designated her his independent vice presidential nominee. After leaving the stage on March 19, the Bay Area lawyer and entrepreneur has disappeared again.
Shanahan wrote on X Friday morning that she was in Yuma, Arizona, visiting the southern border. “I'll be honest: I didn't understand the gravity of the border crisis until today when I sat with NGO leaders who are on the front lines in Yuma Arizona,” she posted on social media.
Kennedy held his first public campaign rally since the VP announcement in Oakland last weekend. His running buddy missed the Los Angeles event. While interviewing a Kennedy senior campaign adviser on Monday, Fox News' "Fox and Friends" hyped a Tuesday joint interview with Kennedy and Shanahan. But Kennedy flew solo for the interview.
Shanahan is not anticipated to attend Kennedy's Iowa ballot access event next weekend, according to a campaign official. This week in Florida, American Values 2024, Kennedy's super PAC, has been holding fundraisers for RFK Jr. Shanahan gave to them for their February Super Bowl ad. The presence of Shanahan at these events is unknown.
Her X post stated that she is "working behind the scenes to make sure we’re on the ballot in all 50 states," and that she is traveling the country "speaking with Americans about the most pressing issues we’re facing."
Kennedy and Shanahan are only on the ballot in Utah, but the campaign claims they have enough signatures in Nevada and North Carolina.
Shanahan is unknown nationwide. During the rollout, the campaign focused on her personal story as a former Democrat now advocating for party disintegration.
A newly announced vice presidential nominee rarely stays in the shadows. Kennedy's solo effort is unusual in several ways, including choosing a low-profile running mate.
Marc Short, then-senior adviser to Mike Pence's 2016 vice presidential campaign, advised Kennedy's campaign to capitalize on her fundraising skills and campaign in states where the campaign has enough signatures to qualify.
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