Not long ago, there was rampant speculation that Nicole Shanahan, 39, the former VP running mate for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., would make a run for the California governor's mansion.
But according to Daily Mail, Shanahan made it crystal clear that she will not be in the running for the top job in the state, breaking the news to Steve Hilton of "The Steve Hilton Show" this week.
Shanahan would have been one of many potential candidates from all sides of the political spectrum interested in stepping up to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) in the next election cycle.
While it's exceedingly difficult for Republicans to win a gubernatorial race in the deep blue state of California, Shanahan would have likely been a frontrunner for the position from her side of the aisle.
Shanahan told Hilton why she isn't running in the California gubernatorial race.
"I'm not running for Governor in 2026," Shanahan declared to Hilton. "I believe that my job in 2026 is to get people to break out of their political orthodoxy."
She added, "I am not a Democrat. I am not a Republican. I am an Independent, and I'm here to support the revival of California."
NEW - Nicole Shanahan will not be running for Governor of California.
MAHA: What is your reaction to this announcement?
“I am not a Democrat. I am not a Republican. I am an Independent, and I'm here to support the revival of California.”
“I believe that my job in 2026 is to… pic.twitter.com/M9bq3icKtl
— American Values 🗽 (@AVPac_US) March 21, 2025
The Daily Mail noted:
Shanahan was a Democrat up until 2024, at which point she affiliated as an independent while she ran for the White House alongside RFK Jr.
After a one-year marriage from 2014-2015, Shanahan was wed to Google co-founder Sergey Brin in 2018.
Many believe no matter who wins the California gubernatorial race, Newsom is already gearing up for a potential 2028 White House bid, honing in on an effort to get Democrats back in control at that time.
Many social media users reacted to Shanahan's bombshell admission to Hilton.
"Nicole is brilliant and will choose the best course for her life and the life of her family. She is a warrior," one X user wrote.
Another X user wrote, "Whatever job Nicole chooses will be for the benefit of mankind, so I wish her success in the path she finds ..."
Only time will tell where Shanahan ends up in her political career.
