Oakland, California - Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is expected to reveal his running mate on Tuesday as he races to secure a spot on the ballot for his independent campaign for presidency. Kennedy's announcement, scheduled for 2 p.m. EDT, has caused a stir among both Democrats and Republicans, who are closely watching his campaign's progress.

Leading up to the event in Oakland, Kennedy and his team have generated speculation by circulating several names, including celebrities with no prior political experience. Notable personalities such as NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers, "Dirty Jobs" star Mike Rowe, and former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura have all been mentioned as potential running mates. However, the most recent speculation centers around Nicole Shanahan, a lawyer and philanthropist who financed a Super Bowl ad for Kennedy.

Kennedy, in a social media video posted last week, declared that this announcement would "shake up the political establishment." Democrats in particular are concerned about third-party options that could potentially draw support from President Joe Biden and assist former President Donald Trump in their 2024 rematch. Both Biden and Trump face widespread unpopularity among the American public, leaving room for candidates who can capture the votes of those dissatisfied with either of them.

Running as an independent candidate, Kennedy faces an uphill battle in securing a place on the ballot due to varying rules across the 50 states. His selection of a running mate is necessary as approximately half of the states require such designation before applying for ballot access. This requirement has already posed challenges for Kennedy's campaign in Nevada, where Democratic Secretary of State Francisco Aguilar stated that independent candidates must nominate a vice presidential candidate prior to collecting signatures. Kennedy will likely have to collect over 10,000 signatures again in Nevada if Aguilar's opinion survives potential legal challenges.

The Kennedy campaign has, however, achieved access to the ballot in Utah, and claims to have collected enough signatures to qualify in other key states such as Arizona, Nevada, and Georgia. Yet, official confirmation from election officials is still pending in those states.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. hails from a renowned Democratic family, with his father, Robert F. Kennedy, holding positions such as U.S. senator, attorney general, and presidential candidate. His uncle, former President John F. Kennedy, also adds to the family's political legacy.

Initially launching his campaign as a primary challenge to Biden, Kennedy switched gears last fall and opted for an independent run. Throughout his career, Kennedy has garnered support from a network of loyal followers, many of whom are drawn to his anti-vaccine activism and his belief that the U.S. government is influenced by corporate interests. However, his controversial views and departure from scientific consensus, particularly on vaccines, have garnered criticism from some members of his own family.

While Kennedy builds momentum for his independent campaign, the Democratic National Committee is gearing up to confront him and other third-party contenders. The committee is particularly focused on countering No Labels, a well-funded group that seeks to recruit a centrist ticket. Spearheading the effort is veteran strategist Mary Beth Cahill, formerly the chief of staff to the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy.

The Democrats' concern stems from previous elections, where Green Party candidates were blamed for Al Gore's loss to George W. Bush in 2000 and Hillary Clinton's loss to Trump in 2016. With the 2024 presidential race in sight, Kennedy's campaign poses a potentially disruptive force in an already volatile political landscape.