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Former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard reportedly turned down running as independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s running mate, telling ABC News in a statement that she “respectfully declined.”

Why it matters: Both former President Trump and Kennedy’s campaigns have reportedly eyed Gabbard, who left the Democratic Party in 2022, as a possible 2024 vice presidential pick.

Driving the news: “I met with Kennedy several times, and we have become good friends,” Gabbard said in a statement to ABC News.

• “He asked if I would be his running mate. After careful consideration, I respectfully declined.”
• A spokesperson for Kennedy’s campaign did not immediately respond to Axios’ request for comment.

The big picture: Kennedy announced last week that he was tapping attorney and tech entrepreneur Nicole Shanahan to be his running mate for his third-party presidential bid.

• Kennedy had considered a range of possible VP picks, including NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers and ex-Minnesota governor and pro wrestler Jesse Ventura.

What to watch: Gabbard, who ran an unsuccessful presidential campaign in 2019, has also reportedly been considered by some Trump allies to be his VP pick in November.

• Gabbard said last month that she “would be open” to being the former president’s vice presidential pick, adding that her “mission is to serve our country.”

Go deeper: RFK Jr. calls Biden bigger threat to democracy than Trump over deleted anti-vaccine posts

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