Trump will launch a multimillion-dollar AD campaign after Harris' choice for running mate is reduced

Washington (AP) - The governors of North Carolina and Michigan have dropped out of the race to be vice presidential candidates, narrowing the list of Vice President Harris' running mates. Meanwhile, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump will launch a $10 million AD campaign in six battleground states to try to slow Harris' momentum.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper said in a statement Monday that he was honored to be named to the list, but that "this is not the best time for North Carolina or me to enter a national election."

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said on CBS the same day that she was not involved in the vetting process for Harris's running mate. "I have communicated with everyone, including the people of Michigan, that I will serve as governor until the end of my term in 2026," she said.

Given Harris's background, the Democratic ticket for vice president is expected to be dominated by white men. Harris spoke over the weekend with key Democrats including Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, according to two people familiar with the matter.

Harris announced his bid to become the Democratic presidential candidate, and quickly gained support from Democrats. So far, however, 12 Democratic incumbents and candidates in 35 districts that are hotly contested in the year-end House elections have yet to endorse Harris. They position themselves as independent decision-makers who run for voters, not politics.

One of them is Maine Congressman Jim Golden. The choice of leader, he said, should not be based solely on party loyalty. He said he wanted to see what policies Harris would propose to help the citizens of his district.

Meanwhile, the campaign of Mr. Trump, the 78-year-old Republican presidential candidate, is launching a $10 million AD campaign in six battleground states this week to try to dampen the enthusiastic support and outpouring of donations for Ms. Harris. It is Trump's biggest AD blitz since he battled Republican rivals for the party's nomination in January.

Harris, 59, has received huge financial support since taking over the campaign from President Joe Biden. Inspire new energy among young voters. She raised $200 million in new campaign cash last week.