Harris’s latest remarks added a new layer to Democratic speculation about the 2028 presidential field after chants of “run again!” at the National Action Network’s annual convention. The former vice president met with Rev. Al Sharpton, and in a direct exchange about whether she would seek the White House again, she left the door open to the possibility.
When Sharpton asked Harris whether she was going to run for president in 2028, Harris told him, “I might. I am thinking about it,” according to the Associated Press account of the exchange. Harris later underscored that she was still weighing the prospect, saying “I’m thinking about it” three times as she explained how she was framing her deliberations. She said, “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.”
The convention, where Harris spoke to African American activists, brought together Democrats seeking visibility with a constituency that is described as one of the party’s most powerful blocs. The event also highlighted how early the field is beginning to form even though the next presidential primary season is not expected to start in earnest until after November’s midterm elections.
Harris, the AP said, was also treated as the standout among the 2028 prospects at the convention. The report described her as earning the only standing ovation and the largest crowd of any other contender appearing during the week.
Sharpton pointed to Harris’s 2024 experience as part of the context for his assessment of her standing with voters. The AP reported that he said, “Whatever she decides to do, she made a point in history,” adding that Harris earned more votes in her losing 2024 campaign than even former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton.
The AP report said Harris had raised the possibility of another presidential bid previously in the 15 months since she left office. It added that she recently launched a political action committee and has traveled across the United States to support Democrats, especially in the South.
Other potential 2028 candidates also appeared on the convention lineup. The Associated Press account listed Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Rep. Ro Khanna of California, and Arizona Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego.
Buttigieg, speaking shortly after Harris left the stage, received soft applause from a room described as about half-empty. The report said some attendees cheered when he mentioned supporting federal workers and minority businesses, but many left the packed auditorium after Harris’s remarks to try to get a selfie with the former vice president.
Buttigieg, like other prospects at the convention, laughed off a question about whether he would seek the presidency again, while Harris’s exchange with Sharpton remained the most explicit on timing and consideration, with her repeated “I’m thinking about it” language and her statement that she would keep people posted.