Roy Cooper removes himself from Harris' VP shortlist

• Cooper and Harris have a strong relationship dating back to their time serving as attorneys general.

What he's saying: Cooper said in a statement posted to X that he strongly supports Harris' campaign and "was honored to be considered for this role."

• He added: "This just wan't the right time for North Carolina and for me to potentially be on a national ticket."
• Cooper was on a virtual meeting dubbed "White Dudes for Harris" minutes after releasing the statement but did not provide additional comment on his decision.
• He continued to sing Harris' praises during the meeting. "Be unafraid to go and talk with your friends about the importance of this race, the importance of electing Kamala Harris as president, and the importance to our country," Cooper said.

The big picture: The Democratic Party hasn't won a statewide race for federal office in North Carolina since former President Obama and U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan won the state in 2008.

• Cooper has never lost an election in his decades-long political career, so he could have been key to the party's ambitions in the state.

• He's a term-limited as governor, so tapping him for VP would not have taken away a popular battleground leader for the party.
• Harris' campaign did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment and Cooper's office directed Axios to his X post when contacted for comment.

Go deeper: All eyes on Gov. Roy Cooper, and his ability to keep N.C. in play for Democrats

Editor's note: This article has been updated with further comment from Gov. Roy Cooper.