According to the New York Times, Democratic governor of North Carolina Roy Cooper has chosen not to run for vice president in 2024 alongside Kamala Harris.

According to the New York Times, representatives for Cooper’s and Harris’ campaigns have failed to comment, thus the reasons behind his resignation are still unknown. Cooper is a well-known Democratic politician who has been close to Harris as a professional colleague since their days as state attorneys general. Cooper also recently joined Harris on the campaign trail.

In North Carolina, a crucial battleground state that usually votes Republican in presidential elections, Cooper prevailed in his bids for governor. Nevertheless, the publication stated that Cooper is not qualified to run for governor a third time because of term limits. This comes after Harris entered the race to succeed President Joe Biden and is now under pressure to select a running mate by August 7. (RELATED: Eric Holder to Head VP Candidate Vetting for Harris Campaign)

WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 25: On July 25, 2024, in Washington, DC, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris addresses reporters following her meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Vice President’s ceremonial office at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. (Image courtesy of Getty Images and Kenny Holston-Pool)

According to the New York Times, Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg are among the other contenders still in the running. Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan has also withdrew herself from consideration as of late.