NORTH CAROLINA, USA — North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has taken himself out of the running to be Vice President Kamala Harris' potential running mate, sources familiar with her vetting process confirmed to CBS News.
His withdrawal was first reported by the New York Times.
Cooper was among about a dozen individuals being vetted for the role, CBS News previously reported. Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, Gov. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, Gov. Andy Beshear of Kentucky and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg are among the other names being considered.
At 67, Cooper was the oldest of the bunch.
Cooper released a statement on X:
As reported by the Associated Press, Cooper opted not to be a candidate in Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate search, two people familiar with the matter said, in part because of concerns that his Republican lieutenant governor would assume control when he travels out of state if he were selected.
Cooper withdrew before Harris formally began soliciting vetting material from potential vice presidents, the people said. They spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive search process. Harris’ search is ongoing and her teams of lawyers and political aides are still reviewing information on a narrowing list of potential candidates.
Under the state constitution, North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, who is the GOP’s nominee to replace the term-limited Cooper, becomes acting governor and can assume the Democrat’s powers when he travels out of state.
Cooper, according to one of the people, has expressed concern about what Robinson might do if he were to leave the state extensively for campaign travel
He won both of his races for governor the same years that Trump won North Carolina. In his 2016 race, he beat Republican incumbent Pat McCrory, making him the first candidate to defeat a sitting governor in the state's history. He is prevented by term limits from seeking a third term.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has also indicated she is not interested in joining the ticket, telling "CBS Mornings" on Monday that she's "not a part of the vetting" process.
"I have communicated with everyone, including the people of Michigan, that I'm going to stay as governor until the end of my term at the end of 2026," Whitmer said.
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