In a campaign rally held in Oakland, California, independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced his selection of Nicole Shanahan, a Silicon Valley attorney and entrepreneur, as his vice presidential pick. Shanahan, largely unknown to the public outside of tech circles, was an early supporter of Kennedy's presidential bid, endorsing him during the Democratic primary.

Kennedy's campaign hopes that Shanahan's youth and fluency in the anti-establishment rhetoric prevalent in the tech world will help expand and energize his base of support. While Shanahan has been cautious in her statements about vaccines compared to Kennedy, she has repeatedly expressed concerns about their safety.

Beyond her potential influence in the tech community, Shanahan's financial backing could provide a significant boost to Kennedy's campaign, which has faced challenges in meeting the requirements to appear on the presidential ballot in all 50 states. As an affluent investor, Shanahan's resources could help support the campaign's costly endeavors.

Shanahan's personal background further adds to her appeal as a candidate. Raised in Oakland, she experienced a challenging childhood marked by welfare reliance, financial struggles, and instances of violence in her family. Shanahan's upbringing has shaped her perspective and drive to improve the lives of others.

Prior to her collaboration with Kennedy, Shanahan has actively contributed to Democratic campaigns, including a $25,000 donation to President Joe Biden's joint fundraising committee in 2020. In recent interviews, she expressed support for Kennedy's environmental advocacy and his stance on vaccines and children's health.

Despite her reservations about vaccines, Shanahan has clarified that she is not an anti-vaxxer but believes in creating a space for discussions about vaccine safety. Kennedy, on the other hand, has been a prominent vaccine skeptic and has been criticized for spreading falsehoods about vaccines and their alleged injuries.

Shanahan's professional background includes being the founder and president of the Bia-Echo Foundation, which focuses on reproductive longevity and equality, criminal justice reform, and a sustainable planet. Notably, Shanahan has also worked towards finding a cure for autism, inspired by her daughter being diagnosed on the autism spectrum.

In her personal life, Shanahan has faced public scrutiny, particularly due to a reported affair with Elon Musk in 2022, which led to her separation from her former husband, Google co-founder Sergey Brin. Shanahan vehemently denied the allegations of an affair with Musk, emphasizing the negative impact of such revelations on her personal and professional life.

Shanahan is a highly educated individual, having obtained a degree in Asian studies, economics, and Mandarin Chinese from the University of Puget Sound. She further pursued her legal education at Santa Clara University, where she earned her law degree. Currently, she holds the position of CodeX fellow at Stanford Law School's Center for Legal Informatics.

As Kennedy's running mate, Shanahan brings a unique blend of Silicon Valley expertise, personal resonance with social issues, and the potential to provide significant financial support. Together, they aim to make a strong impact in the 2024 presidential election and address critical matters such as environmental concerns and public health.