North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has withdrawn from consideration as Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate in the upcoming election. Cooper, who was never officially vetted for the role, cited concerns about leaving the state due to a provision in the state constitution that would make the GOP Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson the acting governor in his absence.
Cooper’s decision comes as Harris is set to pick her running mate before the Democratic Party’s virtual nomination process on August 7, leading up to the full party convention in Chicago in August. While Cooper did not specify why he withdrew, other potential contenders for the position include Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Sen. Mark Kelly, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
The relationship between Harris and Cooper dates back to when both served as attorneys general in their states, and Cooper was initially seen as a strong contender due to his success in winning statewide in North Carolina. Despite Cooper’s withdrawal, Democrats are still hoping to win North Carolina’s electoral votes in November, and are looking to elevate candidates, such as Cooper, to secure a victory in the state.
Harris has begun the vetting process for her running mate, looking for a candidate who is qualified to serve as president and can help deliver her message of fighting for the middle class and protecting democracy. While Cooper will not be her running mate, he continues to be discussed as a potential candidate for U.S. Senate in 2026.
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