
(Cupventi.com) – Nicole Shanahan, the former running mate of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in his independent presidential bid, has sent a stark warning to multiple U.S. senators, making it clear that she is prepared to fund primary challenges against those who oppose Kennedy’s confirmation as Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS).
In a post on X, Shanahan directly addressed members of the Senate, signaling her determination to influence the outcome of Kennedy’s nomination.
“Dear U.S. Senators, Bobby may play nice; I won’t,” she wrote, underscoring a sharp contrast between her approach and Kennedy’s more measured political demeanor.
Financial Clout and Political Influence
Shanahan, a wealthy attorney and philanthropist, reminded lawmakers of her past financial contributions to key Democratic campaigns. She revealed in a video that during the 2020 election cycle, she had “cut large checks to Chuck Schumer to help Democrats flip two Senate seats in Georgia from red to blue.” The two Georgia seats she referenced were won by Democratic Senators Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff in runoff elections, securing Democratic control of the Senate at the time.
Her message to those same senators and others in the chamber was unambiguous. “Please know I will be watching your votes very closely. I will make it my personal mission that you lose your seats in the Senate if you vote against the future health of America’s children.”
Shanahan then proceeded to name several high-profile senators across party lines whom she intends to hold accountable for their votes. Among those called out were Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.).
A Bold Threat to Opponents
Reiterating her aggressive stance, Shanahan declared, “While Bobby may be willing to play nice, I won’t. If you vote against him, I will personally fund challengers to primary you in your next election. And I will enlist hundreds of thousands to join me.”
Her comments highlight the growing political friction surrounding Kennedy’s nomination, which has already generated heated debates among both Republicans and Democrats. Kennedy, once a lifelong Democrat, transitioned into an independent candidate before ultimately exiting the 2024 presidential race to endorse Donald Trump.
Trump’s Surprise Selection
Despite running as an independent candidate and at times positioning himself against both major political parties, Kennedy found an unlikely ally in former President Donald Trump. Following Kennedy’s withdrawal from the race, Trump announced that he would nominate Kennedy to serve as Secretary of Health and Human Services if reelected.
This nomination has placed lawmakers in a complex position, as Kennedy is a controversial figure due to his vocal skepticism of vaccine mandates and certain public health policies. While some Republicans and independents support his stance on medical freedom, his nomination has been met with resistance from members of both parties who question his suitability for the role.
Direct Appeal to Voters
Beyond her financial threats, Shanahan actively encouraged public pressure on lawmakers, urging voters to contact their senators and demand support for Kennedy’s nomination. In a follow-up post, she tagged each of the 13 senators she had singled out, even including their office phone numbers to facilitate direct engagement from constituents.
Her approach signals an effort to mobilize grassroots support and leverage financial influence to sway Senate votes—a move that could have significant implications for the confirmation process.
With tensions mounting, Kennedy’s path to confirmation as HHS secretary remains uncertain, but Shanahan’s aggressive tactics ensure that senators will face intense scrutiny as they decide how to vote.