(CNN) – North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has dropped out of consideration as Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate, according to two sources familiar with the discussions, in a sign that the accelerated search has entered a new phase.
A decision could come within a week, two people familiar with the matter said, with Harris aiming to make an announcement by Aug. 7. She intends to hold private talks with the top contenders, the sources said, but it was unclear whether those discussions have begun. .
Cooper, whose friendship with Harris dates back to their time as attorneys general of their respective states, was also the oldest candidate to be considered. His age, 67, was seen by some Democrats as at odds with Harris' push for a vigorous, younger ticket, the sources said.
There was also concern among some Democrats about the elevation of Mark Robinson, the state's Republican lieutenant governor, who the state constitution says would serve as governor when the governor is absent from the state.
Extensive research and polling is underway for other major candidates, sources said, including Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg are also seen as possible running mates.
CNN has reached out to a representative for Cooper. The Harris campaign declined to comment.
Cooper, who was considered a front-runner for the role, leads a state that is a crucial battleground state in 2024. He was first elected in 2016 by just over 10,000 votes. He won re-election in 2020 and is term-limited for a third term. He endorsed Harris earlier this month, saying he “has what it takes to defeat Donald Trump and lead our country with thought and integrity.”
Throughout his time as governor, Cooper has clashed with lawmakers in the state legislature, where Republicans hold a supermajority, over abortion rights and voting rights, among other things.
Cooper had previously dismissed speculation that he could be on the shortlist for the vice presidency if President Joe Biden withdrew from his re-election campaign and Harris became the nominee.
“I don't want to play in this new favorite political parlor game, because it's too important for America to stop Donald Trump,” Cooper told CNN in July.
After Biden announced he would side with and endorse Harris, a wave of endorsements from state delegations made her the presumptive Democratic nominee.
The Democratic National Committee's rules panel last week adopted the rules the party will use to choose its presidential nominee, with voting to officially nominate Harris likely to begin Aug. 1. The party has said its goal is to name its presidential and vice-presidential candidates in August. 7.
This story has been updated with additional reporting.
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