North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has announced he will not pursue the vice presidential nomination alongside Kamala Harris in the upcoming 2024 election.
Cooper, currently in his second term, confirmed his decision on Monday, removing himself from a list of potential candidates.
In a statement posted on X, Cooper expressed his strong support for Harris’ presidential campaign and confidence in her victory. “I was honoured to be considered for this role,” he wrote, adding, “This just wasn’t the right time for North Carolina and for me to potentially be on a national ticket.”
Cooper, 67, reportedly declined the Harris campaign’s invitation to undergo vetting, citing concerns about the process and his age. Additionally, there were concerns among North Carolina Democrats about the implications of a potential absence from his gubernatorial duties, given that Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson would assume his responsibilities in his absence.
Other prominent figures still running for Harris’ vice presidential nomination include Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, though supportive of Harris, has also indicated she is not interested in the VP role.
Cooper, who first assumed office in 2017 and is ineligible for a third term, has been a significant figure in North Carolina politics. His decision opens the field for other contenders as Harris prepares for a challenging 2024 race against former President Donald Trump, who won North Carolina in 2016 and 2020.
