Nicole Shanahan Declines 2026 California Governor Race, Focuses on Political Reform
Nicole Shanahan, previously the running mate of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has announced she will not run for California governor in 2026, opting instead to focus on breaking political orthodoxy.
Nicole Shanahan, a Silicon Valley philanthropist and former running mate to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during his 2024 presidential campaign, has ruled out running for the position of California governor in the upcoming 2026 election. In an exclusive announcement on Steve Hilton’s podcast, Shanahan emphasized her intention to influence California’s political landscape without seeking office herself.
‘I’m not running for governor in 2026,’ Shanahan stated clearly during the interview, signaling her shift away from direct political candidacy. Instead, she expressed a commitment to encouraging Californians to reconsider traditional political alignments and to focus on what truly benefits the state. ‘I believe that my job in 2026 is to get people to break out of their political orthodoxy, to think about what is really in the best interest of California,’ she elaborated.
Shanahan, who identifies as an independent, aims to support those who challenge what she perceives as harmful political ideologies. Her decision comes as several other candidates are preparing to vie for the governorship, with current Governor Gavin Newsom being term-limited. Among those already in the race are former Congresswoman Katie Porter, who is campaigning on behalf of working families, and Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, who wishes to extend Newsom’s policies.
On the Republican side, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco has announced his candidacy, focusing on law enforcement and border security. Speculation also surrounds former Vice President Kamala Harris, whose potential entry into the race could significantly influence Democratic voter dynamics.
Shanahan’s announcement underscores a broader strategy of political engagement without candidacy, reflecting her ongoing efforts to impact California’s political environment through other means, including significant financial contributions to political causes such as the recall campaign against Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.