Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. closed March with access to more than $23.6 million in cash, according to newly released federal disclosures.
Collectively, the committee and the PAC brought in about $6.6 million and spent nearly the same amount—about $6.7 million—in March. The campaign ended the month with access to about $23.6 million in cash on hand, however. The two groups carried about $1.7 million in debts into the month.
Shanahan’s Millions
On March 26, Mr. Kennedy announced he will run for office with Silicon Valley lawyer Nicole Shanahan at his side. On March 27, Ms. Shanahan sent $2 million to Team Kennedy as a “candidate for vice president contribution.”The donation was the largest single contribution to the Kennedy campaign during the month. It surpassed the about $1.3 million American Values 2024 collected in March.
Ms. Shanahan, a lawyer, entrepreneur, and investor, was formerly married to Google co-founder Sergey Brin. In May 2023, she sent Mr. Kennedy $6,600.
Ballot Access and Online Advertising
As Mr. Kennedy is not running with a political party, his highest priority is appearing on the ballot in every state. He secured a significant victory on April 18 when he won ballot access in Michigan. The Wolverine State is critical to presidential politics.With that achievement, Mr. Kennedy is now on the ballot in eight states. Along with Michigan, voters in the swing state of Nevada will see Mr. Kennedy and Ms. Shanahan on their November ballot.
The campaign continues to spend heavily to get on the ballot. Combined, Team Kennedy and American Values spent about $2.1 million in March on ballot access.
The campaign also spends big on security. Both Mr. Kennedy’s father and uncle were assassinated. The Kennedy campaign says there have been multiple apparent attempts on Mr. Kennedy’s person since the announcement of his candidacy.
Team Kennedy spent about $414,000 on security with Gavin deBecker and Associates LP during the month, and incurred about $1.6 million in debts to the private security firm.
The campaign, which aims to win the support of younger voters and those who do not typically participate in elections, is also spending aggressively on online advertising.
