In the latest twist of the 2024 presidential race, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has emerged as a potential running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris. The Democratic Party is in search of a new nominee after President Joe Biden's sudden exit from the race.
Cooper, who is term-limited and will leave office in January, has been considered as a strong contender due to his successful track record as governor of a swing state. He won North Carolina in both 2016 and 2020 despite it being carried by President Trump during those elections.
Cooper first ran for office in 1986 at the age of 28 and won by a large margin. He was appointed to the state Senate in 1991 after an incumbent's death and was re-elected four times. Cooper passed on several chances to run for higher office but finally sought the governorship in 2016.
The Democratic Party has high hopes of regaining ground in swing states like North Carolina, and Cooper could help with his ability to win elections in the state. He led North Carolina through the COVID-19 pandemic and fought against the Republican-controlled General Assembly over issues such as teacher pay, tax breaks for the wealthy, and expanding Medicaid.
Cooper has been a loyal soldier for the Biden-Harris administration, working closely with Biden on various issues in recent years and hosting him and Harris in North Carolina a combined 11 times this year.
Despite Cooper's strong potential as a running mate, there are still other contenders being considered. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is also on the list due to his popularity in another crucial swing state. The Democratic Party will make its final decision at the convention, which begins August 19.
It remains to be seen who will ultimately replace Biden on the ticket, but Cooper's name continues to surface as a strong possibility.
