On April 10, 2026, at the National Action Network's annual convention in New York, former Vice President Kamala Harris expressed serious consideration for running in the 2028 presidential race. Addressing a crowd of African American activists, she acknowledged the possibility when Rev. Al Sharpton directly inquired about her intentions.
"I might. I am thinking about it," Harris conveyed, amidst enthusiastic chants of "run again!" from the audience. The convention gathered a host of potential Democratic candidates eager to connect with Black voters, who are pivotal to the Democratic Party's success.
The upcoming presidential primary season will not commence until after the midterm elections in November. However, the conference spotlighted numerous Democrats strategizing for what is anticipated to be a highly competitive race. Currently, there is no discernible leading candidate, but Harris notably garnered the largest crowd and the only standing ovation among prospective 2028 candidates.
Harris, who previously served as the nation’s first Black female vice president and was the Democratic nominee in 2024, stood out at the convention. Sharpton remarked on her significant electoral performance in her 2024 campaign, highlighting that she received more votes than former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. "Whatever she decides to do, she made a point in history,” he emphasized.
In the 15 months since leaving her vice presidency, Harris has hinted at another presidential run and formed a political action committee. She has actively traveled across the United States to support Democratic candidates, particularly in Southern states. Despite her efforts, some party members are turning their attention to a newer generation of Democratic leadership due to the challenges she faced in the last presidential election.
The convention also featured several prominent figures, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, Representative Ro Khanna of California, and Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego. However, after Harris concluded her speech, many attendees exited the auditorium, leading to lackluster applause when Buttigieg took the stage shortly after her.
During her address, Harris reiterated her contemplation of a presidential run three times, stating, "I served for four years being a heartbeat away from the presidency of the United States. I spent countless hours in my West Wing office footsteps away from the Oval Office. I spent countless hours in the Oval Office and the Situation Room. I know what the job is, and I know what it requires." She elaborated that her thoughts on candidacy are focused on how to best serve the American people, adding, "That’s how I’m thinking about it. I’ll keep you posted."
