Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Feb. 18 in New York City. Photo: John Nacion/Getty Images
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. plans to announce his vice presidential pick in Oakland, California on March 26 as part of his long-shot presidential bid, according to a campaign event.
Why it matters: Kennedy — whose campaign has floated names like Aaron Rodgers and Jesse Ventura on its VP shortlist — faces a tighter timeline for selecting a running mate to get on the ballot as an independent candidate.
- Rodgers, an NFL quarterback, and Ventura, ex-Minnesota governor and pro wrestler, have built-in name recognition and could boost national interest for his bid.
Driving the news: The campaign spokesperson confirmed that Rodgers, who is slated to start for the New York Jets in the fall, and Ventura are on a shortlist for potential running mates, but did not share who else is on the list.
- Kennedy has been speaking with Rodgers "pretty continuously" over the last month, according to the New York Times, which first reported on the independent presidential candidate's possible running mates.
- Kennedy got in touch with Ventura last month, per the Times, but a spokesperson for the ex-governor declined to comment to Twin Cities PBS, saying, "No one has officially asked him to be RFK Jr's VP."
- Kennedy told CNN that he's "made up his mind" on his running mate.
The big picture: Kennedy has already qualified for the ballot in Utah and he's collected the necessary signatures to appear on the ballot in at least six more, including three battlegrounds.
- Over 25 states and Washington, D.C. require independent presidential candidates to name their running mate to apply for ballot access, according to Ballot Access News.
- Rodgers, like Kennedy, has been an outspoken critic of vaccines during the pandemic.
- President Biden and former President Trump are heading for what is likely to be a close rematch in November, when any support for Kennedy could swing the election.
Go deeper: RFK Jr. apologizes to family after Super Bowl ad
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional details and developments.