Gov. Roy Cooper Predicts Down-Ballot Races Will Boost Kamala Harris in North Carolina
Photo Credit: Getty Images
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper believes that down-ballot races will play a crucial role in helping Vice President Kamala Harris secure a victory in the Tar Heel State. Speaking at the Democratic National Convention on Monday, Cooper shared his optimism during a Q&A session with POLITICO journalist Ryan Lizza, emphasizing the importance of voter turnout in the upcoming election.
Cooper highlighted the significance of local and state races, predicting that strong voter engagement would be driven by the desire to prevent “extreme” right-wing candidates from gaining office. “I think there’s going to be a rising up that will end up helping Vice President Harris in this race, from some people who may not have gone to the polls even in a presidential year, because these races are so important,” Cooper said.
He pointed specifically to the extreme views of Republican candidates for key North Carolina positions, including Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, U.S. Rep. Dan Bishop (running for attorney general), and Michele Morrow (running for superintendent). North Carolina was a narrow loss for President Joe Biden in 2020, with former President Donald Trump winning the state by just 1.3 percent.
Reflecting on this, Cooper expressed a sense of déjà vu. “I have a 2008 feeling about North Carolina, and we know what that means because that’s the last time North Carolina voted for a Democratic presidential candidate in Barack Obama,” he said, recalling the historic moment when his state-backed Obama.
Cooper made similar remarks last Friday when introducing Harris at a campaign event in Raleigh, underscoring his belief in her candidacy’s potential in North Carolina. Though his name was floated as a potential running mate for Harris earlier in the campaign, Cooper withdrew himself from consideration, praising Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as “a smart, dedicated leader, straightforward guy” who was well-suited for the role.
As his term as governor nears its end, Cooper has yet to announce his next steps. Speculation abounds, with some political observers suggesting he might run for U.S. Senate in 2026, while others believe he could take a position in a Harris administration.
When asked about a possible presidential run in 2028, Cooper deflected, stating that he expects Harris to be running for reelection then. “After I finish my term and assess the situation, see where I might be needed, then I’ll make the decision at that time,” he told Lizza. “I think everything is on the table.”
