Billion-Dollar Backing: The Diverse Donors Behind RFK Jr.’s Presidential Bid

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the independent presidential candidate, has garnered a significant amount of financial support from a diverse group of donors worth a combined $37 billion. These donors include once-dependable Democrats, political newcomers, and some of Donald Trump‘s biggest backers, collectively providing RFK Jr.’s bid with $39 million in funding.

The biggest supporter of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s campaign is Timothy Mellon, who has also invested more than three times as much into Donald Trump’s re-election effort. Mellon is associated with the railroad industry and has contributed significantly to political campaigns.

RFK Jr.’s running mate, Shanahan, is his second-biggest donor and the ex-wife of Google cofounder Sergey Brin. Shanahan has supported Democratic candidates in the past but was drawn to Kennedy’s ideas about chronic illness and has spent millions in support of his campaign.

Another notable donor is John Paul DeJoria, co-founder of John Paul Mitchell Systems and Patrón. DeJoria has a deep connection to Kennedy through environmental initiatives and has contributed to his campaign.

Holly and Kelly Gores, sisters-in-law and private equity professionals, have both donated to Kennedy’s campaign. Their husbands are associated with the Detroit Pistons, and the siblings have made contributions to various political causes.

Bill Ackman, a hedge fund manager, has donated to RFK Jr.’s campaign and is a known critic of Joe Biden. Ackman expressed interest in alternative candidates like RFK Jr. and Donald Trump at one point.

Uihlein, a Republican supporter who has also backed Trump, made smaller contributions to Kennedy’s campaign. She has been involved in political donations to various conservative causes.

Lisa Troutt and her husband, Texas billionaire Kenny Troutt, have been consistent Republican donors and have supported Trump in the past. Lisa Troutt also contributed to Kennedy’s campaign in 2023 before continuing to support Trump in the current election cycle.

Corio, a solar energy pioneer from New Mexico, has donated to Kennedy’s campaign and another third-party alternative candidate. His contributions suggest dissatisfaction with the top of the Democratic ticket.

Bridget Koch, married to Bill Koch, has refrained from donating to Republican causes in recent years but made a contribution to Kennedy’s campaign. Her political leanings have varied over time.