North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has decided to remove himself from consideration as Vice President Kamala Harris’ potential running mate. Cooper stated that he was honored to be considered for the role but felt that it was not the right time for him or North Carolina. He expressed confidence in Harris having an outstanding list of people to choose from and pledged to work to ensure her victory. He informed Harris’ team of his decision on July 21, citing concerns about potential chaos if he were to leave the state to campaign due to North Carolina’s lieutenant governor, Mark Robinson, who is running for governor.
Cooper was one of about a dozen individuals being vetted for the role, with other names including Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, Gov. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, Gov. Andy Beshear of Kentucky, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. At 67, Cooper was the oldest of the possible candidates. He defeated Republican incumbent Pat McCrory in his 2016 race, becoming the first candidate to defeat a sitting governor in North Carolina’s history. Term limits prevent him from seeking a third term, and his decision not to pursue the Vice Presidential role leaves room for other potential candidates like Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Whitmer has indicated that she is also not interested in joining Harris’ ticket, stating that she plans to remain governor of Michigan until the end of her term in 2026. With both Cooper and Whitmer no longer in the running, Harris will have to consider other potential candidates for her vice presidential pick. Fin Gómez, CBS News’ political director, has been overseeing the day-to-day political coverage for the network, including the vetting process for Harris’ running mate. With his experience covering multiple presidential campaigns, Gómez is well-equipped to provide insight into the selection process and the factors that go into choosing a running mate.
Cooper’s decision to withdraw his name from consideration comes as a surprise to some, given his successful track record as governor and his previous victory over a sitting governor in North Carolina. His concerns about the potential chaos that could ensue if he were to campaign and leave Robinson as acting governor likely played a significant role in his decision. With several other candidates still being considered for the role, including prominent figures like Sen. Mark Kelly and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Harris has a diverse pool of potential running mates to choose from as she prepares for the next election cycle.
The selection of a vice presidential candidate is a crucial decision for any presidential campaign, with implications for the ticket’s overall appeal and prospects for winning the election. Harris’ choice for her running mate will be closely watched by political analysts and voters alike as they assess the potential impact on the campaign’s success. With Cooper and Whitmer out of the running, the focus will now shift to the remaining candidates being considered and the factors that will ultimately influence Harris’ decision as she moves forward in the selection process.
