NC Gov. Cooper to join other Democratic governors in meeting with President Biden

President Joe Biden is meeting with several Democratic governors Wednesday evening, including North Carolina Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper.

Cooper’s office confirmed to The News & Observer on Wednesday that he would attend, but virtually. The meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m., according to the White House. The meeting comes as Biden may be weighing whether or not to say in the race for reelection this fall in a rematch against former President Donald Trump.

Other Democratic governors confirmed to attend the meeting include California Gov. Gavin Newsom, whose name is near the top of speculative lists about who, if anyone, would replace Biden if he leaves the race. Newsom went to the meeting in person on Wednesday, the Sacramento Bee reported.

But Democrats have criticized media for pushing the idea that Biden may not stay in the race. The meeting with Democratic governors is also because they are champions of Biden.

If Biden were to step aside and have Vice President Kamala Harris lead the ticket, Cooper is among the several names floated on various national media lists as a vice presidential candidate.

He has also previously led the Democratic Governors Association and is a longtime Biden surrogate. He amplified his Biden campaigning this year. He has also known Harris for many years, as they were both previously state attorneys general. Every time Harris or Biden visits North Carolina, Cooper is there, taking the stage ahead of them to welcome them, be a hype man and promote their accomplishments.

Cooper’s future in public service

Cooper has told reporters several times for the past months — and even years — that he wants to continue working in public service after his second term ends Dec. 31. North Carolina’s governors are limited to two consecutive terms.

It’s an open secret that Cooper will likely go for a Cabinet appointment in the Biden-Harris administration, should they win in November, and/or run for U.S. Senate in 2026. Biden even quipped at his rally in Raleigh the day after the debate that he might steal Cooper away.

Cooper deferred reporters’ questions about Biden’s future on Monday when he was joined by U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg at an infrastructure event in Raleigh. Both men answered questions about stepping into the race if Biden leaves by praising Biden’s work. And Biden used his more lively post-debate speech in Raleigh in a new campaign ad out this week.

CNN reported on Tuesday that Democratic governors were on a call together talking about Biden and wanting to hear from him directly about the debate. Also on Tuesday, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed during a press briefing the meeting with Democratic governors, in person and virtual, was planned for Wednesday.

North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Anderson Clayton said the party stands behind Biden.

“We stand behind the person that is there right now,” Clayton told The N&O on Wednesday. “We stand against fascism right now.”