US Presidential Election: The field for Kamala Harris’s running mate narrows as Roy Cooper and Gretchen Whitmer withdraw
The field of possible running mates for Kamala Harris, the most likely Democratic nominee for president, has shrunk with the withdrawal of governors Roy Cooper of North Carolina and Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan.
The selection of a vice presidential contender has become increasingly important because Vice President Harris became the Democratic frontrunner almost a week ago after Joe Biden announced his decision to withdraw from the race.
A list of candidates that Harris is thinking about running for office, mostly white men, is thought to help balance her ticket and increase her appeal to a wider range of voters.
Cooper said in a statement on Monday, “It was a pleasure to be given this job to contemplate. For North Carolina and for me to maybe be on a national ticket, this simply wasn’t the right time.” Conversely, in an interview with “CBS Mornings,” Whitmer declared that she was “not a part of the vetting” process for Harris’ running partner. She continued, saying, “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.”
Over the weekend, Harris paused her campaign activities to have private discussions with several candidates, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, according to two sources familiar with the conversations. Other potential candidates being considered include Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, US Senator Mark Kelly from Arizona, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg.
The candidates have been making appearances on national television to showcase their potential contributions to the campaign. Buttigieg, who is seen as a long shot even by his own supporters, discussed the opportunity privately with Harris, according to two sources familiar with the matter. He also spoke with a group of donors from his 2020 presidential campaign, expressing his interest in the position but emphasizing that he would respect the process, the sources added.
