Amid enthusiastic chants of “run again!” and a standing ovation, Kamala Harris strongly hinted at a potential 2028 presidential campaign, telling African American activists on Friday that she is “actively considering” another bid for the White House.
“I might. I am thinking about it,” Harris directly told Rev. Al Sharpton, who had pressed her on her intentions for 2028.
Her remarks came during the National Action Network’s annual convention, a key gathering where numerous prospective candidates appeared this week, all vying for support among Black voters, a crucial demographic for Democrats.
While the next Democratic presidential primary season remains distant, this week’s conference underscored the early jockeying among a crowded field of hopefuls.
Though no clear frontrunner has emerged, Harris garnered the most significant attention, receiving the only standing ovation and drawing the largest crowd among any potential 2028 contender.
Some in the audience punctuated her speech with calls to “Run again!”
Rev. Sharpton highlighted Harris’s performance in her 2024 campaign, noting she secured more votes than even Democratic Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, despite her loss.
“Whatever she decides to do, she made a point in history,” Sharpton remarked.
Since leaving office 15 months ago, Harris has previously raised the prospect of another presidential run.
She has also established a political action committee and embarked on a nationwide tour to support Democratic candidates, particularly across the South.
However, some within the party are reportedly shifting their focus towards a new generation of Democratic leaders, given Harris’s challenges in the last presidential contest.
The convention’s lineup featured a diverse group of potential candidates, including Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, California Rep. Ro Khanna, and Arizona Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego.
Buttigieg, speaking immediately after Harris, faced a half-empty room and received only soft applause.
While some cheered his support for federal workers and minority businesses, many attendees had departed the packed auditorium after Harris’s address, eager to secure a selfie with her.
Like many other 2028 hopefuls this week, Buttigieg deflected questions about a future presidential run with a laugh.
Harris, however, was more explicit. She reiterated “I’m thinking about it” three times when questioned by Sharpton about a 2028 White House bid.
“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,” Harris stated.
She concluded: “I am thinking about it in the context of who and where and how can the best job be done for the American people. That’s how I’m thinking about it. I’ll keep you posted.”
