North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has withdrawn himself from consideration as Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate, citing concerns about state politics and timing.
The decision, confirmed by Cooper on Monday, has sparked discussions about the challenges facing Harris’ campaign as she seeks to finalize her vice-presidential pick with just weeks to go.
“I strongly support Vice President Harris’ campaign for President. I know she’s going to win and I was honored to be considered for this role. This just wasn’t the right time for North Carolina and for me to potentially be on a national ticket,” Cooper said in a statement announcing his withdraw.
Cooper’s decision was reportedly influenced by concerns about his Republican lieutenant governor, Mark Robinson, potentially assuming control if Cooper left the state to campaign. Under North Carolina’s constitution, Robinson would become acting governor during Cooper’s absence, a prospect that worried the Democratic governor.
“Cooper, according to two of the people, has expressed concern about what Robinson might try to do if he were to leave the state extensively for campaign travel,” one source explained.
Robinson, an outspoken conservative, has made controversial statements on various social issues, including calling abortion “child sacrifice” and using politically incorrect language when discussing LGBTQ issues.
Cooper’s age, 67, was also reportedly a factor in the decision. “His age was seen by some Democrats to be at odds with Harris’ push for a vigorous and younger ticket,” a source noted.
The withdrawal of Cooper, who was seen as one of the top frontrunners for the VP slot, has reshuffled the field of potential candidates. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly are now reportedly the top two choices, according to sources close to the campaign.
Harris’ decision on a running mate could come within a week, with an announcement expected by August 7. The accelerated timeline reflects the urgency of the campaign following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race.
As Harris’ team rushes to narrow down their list of potential running mates, the campaign faces a major challenge: Bolstering the unpopular Harris campaign’s chances in key battleground states where she currently trails former President Donald Trump in polls.
The decision will undoubtably significantly impact the upcoming election.
With Cooper’s withdrawal, attention now turns to the remaining candidates with just days to go. The Democratic National Committee has set August 7 as the target date for nominating both their presidential and vice-presidential candidates, adding a ticking time clock to Harris’ selection process.