North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has decided to not throw his hat into the ring as a potential running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming 2024 election, according to sources familiar with the situation. This news comes as a surprise to many, as Cooper has been a rising star in the Democratic Party and was seen as a potential contender for the position.
Cooper, who has served as the Governor of North Carolina since 2017, has been a vocal advocate for progressive policies and has garnered national attention for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in his state. Many Democrats saw him as a strong candidate to join Harris on the ticket in 2024, with his experience as a governor and his track record of success in North Carolina making him a formidable choice.
However, sources close to Cooper have indicated that he has decided to focus on his role as Governor and continue to work towards implementing his agenda for the state. While Cooper did not provide a specific reason for his decision to forgo the opportunity to be Harris’ running mate, it is believed that he wants to prioritize his duties as Governor and ensure that he is able to effectively serve the people of North Carolina.
Cooper’s decision has left many Democrats disappointed, as they saw him as a strong potential candidate to help Harris secure a victory in 2024. With his popularity in North Carolina and his track record of success as Governor, Cooper was seen as a candidate who could help to bridge the gap between the progressive and moderate wings of the party and appeal to a broad range of voters.
However, despite Cooper’s decision, Harris is still expected to have a strong field of potential running mates to choose from in the coming months. Many prominent Democrats have already been mentioned as potential contenders, including Senators Elizabeth Warren, Tammy Duckworth, and Cory Booker, as well as former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams.
While Cooper may not be joining Harris on the ticket in 2024, his decision to focus on his role as Governor could have significant implications for the Democratic Party in North Carolina. With Cooper at the helm, Democrats have made significant gains in the state in recent years, winning key races and flipping seats in the state legislature.
Cooper’s popularity in North Carolina has also made him a target for Republicans, who see him as a formidable opponent in the upcoming gubernatorial election in 2024. With Cooper choosing to remain in his current role, it is likely that Republicans will ramp up their efforts to unseat him and regain control of the state government.
Despite the disappointment among Democrats over Cooper’s decision, many are hopeful that he will continue to play a key role in the party’s efforts to win back the White House in 2024. Cooper’s leadership in North Carolina has been instrumental in pushing forward progressive policies and mobilizing Democratic voters, and his decision to focus on his role as Governor could ultimately benefit the party in the long run.
As the 2024 election approaches, all eyes will be on Vice President Harris as she selects her running mate and prepares to take on the Republican challenger. While Cooper may not be joining her on the ticket, his decision to prioritize his duties as Governor could have a lasting impact on the Democratic Party and its efforts to win back the White House.
