Gov. Roy Cooper (D-NC), a top contender for Vice President Kamala Harris’s vice presidential pick, withdrew himself from consideration on Monday.
It’s not immediately clear why Cooper has dropped out of being considered, who just days before was reported by some Democrats to be Harris’s top pick. His decision was reported by the New York Times. Politico has reported some influencing factors could be a potential run for Senate, his age and how his being out of the state to campaign might elevate Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, who is running for governor.
Cooper confirmed the move in a post on X.
Harris expects to have her choice for vice president solidified by Aug. 7. She unofficially replaced Biden as the Democratic nominee on Sunday July 21.
The campaign team has vetted a total of 12 potential running mates but said it narrowed it down to five now that Cooper is out.
Cooper is in his second and last term as North Carolina’s governor, a battleground state that former President Donald Trump won in 2020.
Harris and Cooper have a long relationship, dating back to both of their times serving as state attorney generals.
Like Cooper, the remaining, serious vice president contenders are all white men. They are Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-PA), Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN), Gov. Andy Beshear (R-KY), Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Transportation Secretary, Pete Buttigieg.
With the exception of Buttigieg, all of Harris’s choices have a record for winning highly competitive elections.
Harris has yet to meet with any of her potential running meets, and initial candidate interviews are reportedly being conducted over phone calls.
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Already, several of Harris’s vice president hopefuls have begun campaigning. Last Saturday, Shapiro campaigned for Harris in Philadelphia.
“I want a future that is cleaner and greener,” Shapiro said. “I want a future with better schools and safer streets, and I want a future full of freedom. I want to look the 47th president of the United States in the eye and say, ‘Madam President.’”
