News

After N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper Withdraws, Kamala Harris’ V.P. Shortlist Gets Even Smaller

After North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) withdrew from consideration as running mate for Kamala Harris, the field has narrowed to a handful of prospects.

Cooper’s withdrawal signifies that her search has entered a new phase. Sources have revealed that Harris has held private conversations with the top contenders, though it is not yet clear if these conversations have started yet.

In a statement, Cooper said, “This just wasn’t the right time for North Carolina and for me to potentially be on a national ticket,” but that he “strongly supports Vice President Harris’ campaign for President. She has an outstanding list of people from which to choose, and we’ll all work to make sure she wins.”

The case for Cooper’s candidacy was centered around his demonstrated ability to win in a swing state and his past friendship with Harris when they were both attorneys general of their respective states. However, Cooper was the oldest candidate at 67, and Harris has expressed a desire for a younger ticket.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of political news in your in-box.
We find the news you need to know, so you don't have to.

There were also concerns that Mark Robinson, North Carolina’s right-wing Republican lieutenant governor, would be next-in-line for the governor position following the state’s constitution in the event Cooper was elected as vice president.

On a Zoom call intended to garner support for the current vice president, Cooper further commended Harris. “Kamala Harris is a strong woman… She’s going to work to clean our environment. She’s going to work to make sure that people have health care and quality education. That’s the kind of person that we need,” he said.

He did not mention his withdrawal from the pool of Harris’s potential running mates.

Cooper had made it on the shortlist for prospective running mates before his withdrawal. Other candidates are speculated to include Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, and Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona). Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

Last week, the Democratic National Committee rules panel set the guidelines that will be used to pick its nominee, with the process likely beginning August 1. The party has expressed that the goal for selecting a running mate for the ticket is August 7.

Tessa Powers

Share
Published by
Tessa Powers

Recent Posts

Bill Clinton Vouches For Biden’s Health & Cognitive Abilities: ‘He’s In Good Shape’

Former President Bill Clinton came to former President Joe Biden’s defense during an interview on…

20 hours ago

GOP Rep. Claudia Tenney Introduces Bill To Make Trump’s Birthday A National Holiday

A Republican congresswoman took a step further to promote her bill to designate President Donald…

20 hours ago

Democrats Fume At Biden White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre For Exposé Book Deal & Abandoning Party

Former White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre announced that she is leaving the Democratic Party.…

21 hours ago

After Senate Unanimously Passes ‘No Tax On Tips Act,’ Critics Worry It Will Cement ‘Outdated’ Tipping System

In an unexpected move, the Republican-led Senate unanimously passed the No Tax on Tips Act,…

21 hours ago

After Trump Officially Accepts Gift Of $400M Qatari Jet, Critics From Both Parties Try To Block Its Use As Air Force One

President Donald Trump and the United States have officially accepted a Qatari gift of a…

22 hours ago

After Walmart Raises Prices Due To Trump Tariffs, Other Retailers Follow Suit, Raising Inflation Fears

Walmart recently announced that due to the tariffs being implemented by President Donald Trump, their…

23 hours ago