Financial Struggles in June
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s presidential campaign faced significant financial challenges in June, despite a fresh cash infusion from his running mate, lawyer Nicole Shanahan. The campaign reported raising just shy of $5.4 million, with $2.5 million coming from Shanahan. However, the campaign spent more than $6.2 million during the same period, according to a Friday afternoon filing with the Federal Election Commission. These figures highlight the ongoing financial difficulties for Kennedy’s independent presidential bid as he aims to secure a spot on the November ballot.
Cash on Hand and Debt
At the end of June, Kennedy’s campaign had $5.5 million in cash on hand, a decrease from $6.4 million the previous month. Additionally, the campaign reported more than $3 million in debt. The majority of Shanahan’s contribution included $2.5 million in cash and over $330,000 in in-kind contributions for travel expenses and media production. Excluding Shanahan’s donation, the campaign raised a bit over $2.5 million, roughly the same as the previous month.
Campaign Expenditures
The campaign’s expenses continued to mount in June, with over $1.1 million paid to Accelevate 2020, a firm working on ballot access, and $240,000 to Allied Data Service for ballot access consulting. Other significant expenditures included nearly $750,000 on internet advertising, $461,000 on media production, and $261,000 on marketing consulting. The campaign’s debt also grew, with over $419,000 in new debt accumulated for travel-related security expenses, owed to a security firm owned by Kennedy’s longtime associate, Gavin de Becker.
Campaign Developments
Kennedy has consistently argued that his campaign should receive U.S. Secret Service protection, which was granted earlier this week following an assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump. Despite rumors of Kennedy possibly dropping out of the race after meeting with Trump in Milwaukee, Kennedy confirmed later in the week that he remains in the race and hopes to meet with Democratic leaders as well.
Fundraising Efforts
In an effort to boost fundraising avenues, Kennedy’s campaign established a joint fundraising committee with the Libertarian National Committee on Friday. This unusual move for an independent candidate allows large donors to contribute to both him and the national party. However, contributions from this group to Kennedy’s campaign will still be limited to $3,300 per donor.
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