Robert Kennedy Jr. taps a wealthy California attorney as his running mate

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has announced a wealthy California attorney as the running mate for his independent presidential campaign, a necessary step as he tries to get on state ballots for November.

Nicole Shanahan, 38, is the president and director of the Bia-Echo Foundation, a charitable organization that says it focuses its investments in "Reproductive Longevity & Equality, Criminal Justice Reform and a Healthy and Livable Planet."

Kennedy is the son of the former U.S. attorney general and nephew of former President John F. Kennedy. He's a longtime environmental lawyer but has become known in recent years for his anti-vaccine advocacy and as a promoter of conspiracy theories.

Kennedy, whose independent candidacy has drawn concern from both Democrats and Republicans for potentially drawing support away from the two major parties, announced the running mate pick Tuesday in Oakland.

The announcement was preceded by speakers criticizing pandemic restrictions and alleged censorship.

Kennedy said he and Shanahan hold similar values around everything from education and agriculture to skepticism of "Big Pharma" and the government.

"And you know what? Despite the artificially orchestrated divisions, nearly all Americans share the same values that we do," he said. "And I'm grateful that Nicole has put her self-interest aside and made the momentous and very, very difficult decision to embark with me on this extraordinary crusade to win back our country."

Shanahan has no political experience but deep ties to California's tech industry, and was once married to Google co-founder Sergey Brin. She has also given money previously to Democrats, including President Biden, but recently has been a key financial backer of a pro-Kennedy super