North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has removed himself from consideration as a potential running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris, sources familiar with the vetting process confirmed to CBS News. Cooper, who at 67 was the oldest among a dozen individuals being considered, was first reported to have withdrawn by the New York Times.
While Cooper was being vetted, other names including Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota, Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg were also being considered. Cooper, who won both of his races for governor during the same years that former President Donald Trump won North Carolina, made history in his 2016 race when he defeated Republican incumbent Pat McCrory, becoming the first candidate to beat a sitting governor in the state’s history. Due to term limits, Cooper is ineligible to seek a third term.
The decision by Cooper to remove himself from consideration highlights the extensive vetting process being undertaken by Vice President Harris as she seeks a running mate. The news of Cooper’s withdrawal comes as the Vice President looks to make a strategic decision on who will join her ticket for the upcoming election.
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