Newark, N.J. Mayor Cory Booker (D) said Thursday that he will not be a candidate — for president or vice president — in 2016.
“Absolutely yes, unequivocally,” Booker told Politico’s Maggie Haberman when asked if he would rule himself out as a presidential or vice presidential candidate.
It may be more surprising that Booker took the step of ruling himself out as a vice presidential nominee, as many pegged him as a potentially strong running mate. He was included in most polls that tested the 2016 field, but rarely registered more than 10 percent support — miles behind former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Booker is the overwhelming favorite to win the special U.S. Senate election in New Jersey this year.
Another long-shot 2016 contender, Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick (D), also ruled out a 2016 bid recently.
