The Vice President of the United States and the presumed Democratic nominee for president, Kamala Harris, has not yet announced her running mate. One of the main contenders, Roy Cooper, the governor of North Carolina, announced on Monday, July 29, that he has no intention of seeking this opportunity.
In a statement posted on the social platform X, Cooper expressed strong support for Vice President Harris’s presidential campaign. He stated, “I know she will win, and I am honored to be considered for this role (running mate).”
“For North Carolina and for me, now is not the right time to appear on the national ballot,” Cooper said. “As I have said from the beginning, she has an excellent list of candidates to choose from, and we will work together to ensure her victory.”
The reasons for Cooper’s withdrawal are not yet clear. Just a few days ago, some Democrats had indicated that Cooper was Harris’s top choice. Harris is expected to finalize her vice presidential pick by August 7.
Sources told CNN that some Democrats believe that the 67-year-old Cooper is not aligned with the youth-oriented agenda promoted by Harris.
Several sources told Politico that other factors may have led to Cooper’s exit from the competition. On one hand, he may be interested in running for senator, while on the other hand, he is concerned that his participation could lead to the Republican Lieutenant Governor taking over the state’s executive power.
Insiders say that Cooper’s entry into the race would create an unusual situation for North Carolina. According to the state constitution, when the governor is absent from the state, the duties of the governor will be carried out by the Lieutenant Governor.
This means that every time Cooper participates in campaign activities outside North Carolina, Republican Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson could temporarily gain executive power. Democrats fear that this could not only benefit Robinson politically but also take actions they strongly oppose.
North Carolina is a fiercely contested battleground state, with former President Trump winning the state in the 2020 presidential election.
Harris and Cooper have a long-standing relationship, both having served as state attorneys general.
Other potential candidates for Vice President include Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Senator Mark Kelly, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, among others.
Except for Buttigieg, all remaining candidates have won in fiercely competitive elections.
Harris has not yet met with any potential running mates. However, sources suggest that discussions will take place over the phone first to determine interest.
Several of Harris’s potential vice presidential candidates have already begun campaigning. Last Saturday, Shapiro campaigned for Harris in Philadelphia.
Shapiro said, “I want a cleaner, greener future.”
“I want a future with better schools, safer streets, and a future full of freedom,” he added.