Photo: Getty Images
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper announced his decision to withdraw from consideration to be Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate on the Democratic ticket for the 2024 presidential election.
Cooper, 67, who is currently midway through his second term, cited timing in a statement shared on his X account announcing his decision and endorsing Harris.
"I strongly support Vice President Harris' campaign for President," Cooper said. "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. As I've said from the beginning, she has an outstanding list of people from which to choose, and we'll all work to make sure she wins."
Cooper was reportedly approached by Harris campaign aides about undergoing vetting during the running mate search but declined to do so, a source with knowledge of the situation told CNN Monday (July 29) night. The vice president's decision on a running mate could come within a week as she intends to do so before August 7, two sources with knowledge of the situation confirmed to CNN.
Top Democratic running mate contenders reportedly include Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly while Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Kentucky Gov. Andy Besear and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg are also believed to be potential candidates.