Roy Cooper, Governor of North Carolina, removes himself from consideration for Harris’ VP selection
Governor Roy Cooper of North Carolina released a statement on Monday evening indicating that he has eliminated himself as a potential running mate for presidential candidate Kamala Harris.
“I wholeheartedly endorse Vice President Harris’ presidential campaign. I am confident that she will emerge victorious, and I was privileged to be under consideration for this position. However, the timing was not right for North Carolina and myself to potentially be on a national ticket,” he expressed in a post on X.
“As I’ve mentioned from the outset, she possesses an exceptional pool of individuals to select from, and we will all collaborate to ensure her victory,” he appended.
Shortly after the issuance of his statement, Cooper delivered remarks on a “White Dudes for Harris” Zoom call, but refrained from commenting on his withdrawal as a potential running mate. Instead, the governor took the opportunity to promote Harris’ candidacy, stating, “We recognize that the presence of Kamala Harris is more crucial than ever at this moment in time, and we can play a significant role.”
Cooper had previously declared his endorsement for Harris’ presidential bid. On July 21, he formally supported the vice president, stating, “Kamala Harris should be the next President. I’ve known @VP going back to our days as AGs, and she has what it takes to defeat Donald Trump and lead our country thoughtfully and with integrity. I look forward to campaigning for her as we work to win NC up and down the ticket.”
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Cooper, the former chairperson of the Democratic Governors Association, was viewed as a leading candidate for Harris’ 2024 election ticket to broaden the Democratic Party’s influence in swing states.
However, if Cooper were to join Harris’ campaign, North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson would assume office as governor while Cooper is on the campaign trail, in accordance with constitutional law.
Robinson, the Republican party’s nominee for governor in the state, is running to replace Cooper, who is prohibited from seeking a third term.
Other speculated contenders for Harris’ running mate include Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.
Harris is anticipated to reveal her VP selection by August 7, preceding the Democratic National Convention commencing in Chicago on August 19.