Kamala Harris' VP selection narrowed as Roy Cooper and Gretchen Whitmer withdrew, leaving Josh Shapiro and Mark Kelly among the potential contenders.
Matt Rourke/AP; Chris Seward/AP
Vice President Kamala Harris' veepstakes remain underway — minus two major contenders.
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, a long-standing friend of Harris, announced his withdrawal from the selection process on Monday.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer also said on Monday that she would be sticking with her current job.
In a statement posted on X, Cooper said while he was "honored" to be considered, "this just wasn't the right time for North Carolina and for me to potentially be on a national ticket."
Though he offered no further explanation, The New York Times reported that Cooper had concerns that Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, a Republican, would try to assume control if he left.
According to The Times, which cited two people familiar with the situation, Cooper did not believe Robinson could do this successfully but thought the attempt would bring unnecessary disruption.
Whitmer also officially ruled herself out during an interview on CBS Mornings on Monday.
"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," she said.
Whitmer added: "I am not a part of the vetting."
She also estimated a timeframe for the decision: six or seven days, which would be by the beginning of next week.
Other top picks appear to remain in contention.
Govs. Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania and Tim Walz of Minnesota have not ruled themselves out, nor has Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona.
