WASHINGTON — North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper decided not to be considered as a candidate in Vice President Kamala Harris’ search for a running mate, according to sources familiar with the situation on Monday. One of the reasons for his decision was the concern that his Republican lieutenant governor would take over when he traveled out of state if he were selected.
Cooper, 67, withdrew before Harris officially started requesting vetting materials from potential vice presidential candidates, the sources said. They requested anonymity to discuss the confidential search process. Harris’ search is still ongoing, with her legal and political teams reviewing information on a narrowed list of potential candidates.
In the initial stages, Harris’ team was considering around a dozen potential contenders, but the field has since narrowed, with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly emerging as front-runners, according to the sources.
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Cooper stated, “This was not the right time for North Carolina and for me to potentially be on a national ticket.” He also mentioned that Harris “has an outstanding list of people to choose from, and we will all work to ensure she wins.”
Cooper, who previously served as the chairman of the Democratic Governors Association, has had a close relationship with Harris since their time as state attorneys general. His potential selection could have helped shift North Carolina — the Democrats’ main opportunity for expansion in the 2020 election — into Harris’ favor.
According to the state constitution, North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, who is the GOP’s nominee to succeed the term-limited Cooper, would become acting governor and assume the Democrat’s powers when he travels out of state.
One of the sources mentioned that Cooper expressed concerns about what Robinson might do if he were to spend significant time outside the state for campaign activities.
Robinson is known for his strong social conservative views, including calling abortion “child sacrifice” and making controversial comments about LGBTQ individuals.
Prior to President Joe Biden exiting the race, Cooper appeared alongside Harris at campaign events in Greensboro and Fayetteville. He has avoided questions about the vetting process.
“I trust her to make the right decision,” he told North Carolina reporters recently.
The New York Times was the first to report that Cooper had removed himself from consideration, but did not provide details on the timing or rationale behind his decision. The Harris campaign declined to comment.
