In April, independent presidential candidate Robert F.
Kennedy Jr.’s campaign received significant funding from both his running mate and a prominent supporter of former President Donald Trump.
Team Kennedy, Kennedy’s principal campaign committee, and a hybrid political action committee supporting his run, disclosed their financial statements to the Federal Election Commission on May 17 and May 20.
Ms.
Shanahan, a lawyer, entrepreneur, and investor, formerly married to Google co-founder Sergey Brin, contributed the largest single contribution to Team Kennedy in April.
The infusion of funds allowed the campaign to secure ballot access in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Since Robert F.
Kennedy Jr.
is not affiliated with any political party, securing ballot access remains a top concern for his campaign.
In 2023, Mr.
Mellon, who also gave substantial contributions to Trump-aligned PACs, sent American Values $15 million and MAGA Inc.
10 million.
According to watchdog organization OpenSecrets, Mr.
Mellon ranks as the third-largest individual donor of the 2024 election cycle, having given approximately $50 million since the beginning of 2023.
The Democratic Party has taken notice of these donations, interpreting them as evidence that Kennedy’s independent run is aimed at undermining President Joe Biden’s reelection efforts.
However, it remains uncertain whether Kennedy will draw more votes from either President Biden or President Trump.
American Values also received a $1 million donation from Tower Research Capital LLC Chairman Mark Gorton.
According to OpenSecrets records, Mr.
Gorton previously contributed $495,000 to American Values when it was known as the People’s Pharma Movement in 2022.
Mr.
Gorton had been a limited supporter of Democratic Party candidates, according to donor records maintained by OpenSecrets.
In April, Team Kennedy made significant payments to Accelevate 2020 LLC, which specializes in ballot access, petition consulting, and other campaign services, based in Dripping Springs, Texas.
In total, the campaign paid Accelevate approximately $1.9 million that month.
American Values also paid various firms about $258,000 for ballot access services.
Additionally, Team Kennedy spent $100,000 with Alphabet Inc.’s Google.
The Kennedy campaign has expressed its hope to capitalize on its appeal to younger and nontraditional voters as it seeks to win the White House.