CNN
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North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has taken himself out of consideration to be Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate, in line with two sources accustomed to the discussions, in an indication that the accelerated search has entered a brand new part. Cooper mentioned on social media Monday that now isn’t the suitable time for him to be on a nationwide ticket.
Harris’ choice on a working mate may come inside per week, two folks accustomed to the matter mentioned, with Harris’ purpose to make an announcement earlier than August 7. She intends to have personal conversations with prime contenders, sources mentioned, however it was unclear whether or not these discussions have began.
“I strongly help Vice President Harris’ marketing campaign for President. I do know she’s going to win and I used to be honored to be thought of for this position. This simply wasn’t the suitable time for North Carolina and for me to doubtlessly be on a nationwide ticket,” Cooper mentioned in a statement posted to his private account on X. “As l’ve mentioned from the start, she has an impressive listing of individuals from which to decide on, and we’ll all work to verify she wins.”
Cooper was approached by the Harris marketing campaign about being vetted, and he declined, a supply acquainted advised CNN.
The governor, whose friendship with Harris dates again to their time serving because the attorneys normal of their respective states, was additionally the oldest candidate into consideration. His age, 67, was seen by some Democrats to be at odds with Harris’ push for a vigorous and youthful ticket, the sources mentioned.
There additionally was concern amongst some Democrats about elevating Mark Robinson, the state’s Republican lieutenant governor whom the state structure says would carry out the governor’s duties when the governor is absent from the state.
Polling and in depth analysis is underway for different prime contenders, sources mentioned, together with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg are additionally seen as potential working mates.
CNN has reached out to a consultant for Cooper. The Harris marketing campaign declined to remark.
CNN reporter breaks down execs and cons of Harris’ potential VP picks
Cooper, who was seen as one of many prime contenders for the position, leads a state that could be a essential battleground in 2024. He was narrowly elected for the primary time in 2016 by just over 10,000 votes. He received reelection in 2020 and is term-limited out of working for a 3rd time. He endorsed Harris earlier this month, saying she “has what it takes to defeat Donald Trump and lead our nation thoughtfully and with integrity.”
All through his time as governor, Cooper has clashed with lawmakers within the state legislature, the place Republicans have a supermajority, over abortion rights and voting rights, amongst different issues.
Cooper had beforehand waved off hypothesis that he could be on the shortlist for vice presidential nominees if President Joe Biden stepped except for his reelection marketing campaign and Harris grew to become the nominee.
“I don’t wish to play into this new favourite political parlor recreation, as a result of it’s too vital for America to cease Donald Trump,” Cooper told CNN in July.
After Biden announced he would step aside and endorsed Harris, a wave of endorsements from state delegations made her the presumptive Democratic nominee.
The Democratic Nationwide Committee’s guidelines panel final week adopted the rules the occasion will use to select its presidential nominee, with voting to formally nominate Harris prone to start August 1. The occasion has mentioned its purpose is to appoint its presidential and vice presidential candidates by August 7.
This story has been up to date with extra reporting.
CNN’s Dianne Gallagher and Edward-Isaac Dovere contributed to this story.