Presumed Democratic nominee Joe Biden’s vice presidential shortlist became shorter on Thursday night, when Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) withdrew her name from consideration. Cortez Masto, who previously served as Nevada’s Attorney General, was elected to the upper chamber in 2016 as the first Latina woman to serve in the Senate.
“It is an honor to be considered as a potential running mate, but I have decided to withdraw my name from consideration," Sen. Cortez Masto said in a statement. “Nevada's economy is one of the hardest hit by the current crisis and I will continue to focus on getting Nevadans the support they need to get back on their feet.”
Cortez Masto affirmed her continued commitment to electing Joe Biden to the White House, despite the decision to not pursue a vice presidential tap.
“I support Joe Biden 100% and will work tirelessly to help get him elected this November,” she continued.
After her announcement, Biden praised Cortez Masto’s work in the Senate:
Biden adds on Cortez Masto: “Nevadans are fortunate to have her fighting for them in Washington and I look forward to seeing her continue to lead in the Senate."
— Sarah Mucha CNN (@sarahmucha) May 29, 2020
With Cortez Masto out of the running, Biden’s likely shortlist of vice presidential candidates, which is exclusively women, is said to include Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Kamala Harris (D-CA) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), along with Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) and former Georgia state legislator and gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams. A couple of former Obama officials are reportedly under consideration also, including former National Security Advisor Susan Rice and former Attorney General Sally Yates, though the aforementioned women have received less speculation.