NEW YORK — The former Vice President received enthusiastic encouragement from African American activists Friday when she revealed she’s seriously weighing another White House campaign.
“I might. I am thinking about it,” Harris responded when Rev. Al Sharpton directly questioned whether she planned to seek the presidency in 2028.
The exchange occurred at the National Action Network’s yearly gathering, where over six potential Democratic candidates made appearances this week, seeking to build relationships with Black voters who represent a crucial Democratic constituency.
While the Democratic presidential primary cycle won’t officially launch until after this November’s midterm contests, the week’s events highlighted numerous Democrats already positioning themselves for what’s expected to be a competitive race.
Currently, no obvious frontrunner has emerged. However, one candidate clearly dominated at Sharpton’s event.
Harris, who made history as the first Black woman to serve as vice president and carried the Democratic ticket in 2024, was the only speaker to receive a standing ovation and drew the week’s largest audience. Attendees broke into her speech with calls of “Run again!”
Sharpton observed that Harris collected more ballots in her unsuccessful 2024 race than Democratic presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton had in their campaigns.
“Whatever she decides to do, she made a point in history,” Sharpton commented.
Since leaving office 15 months ago, Harris has previously hinted at another presidential campaign. She recently established a political action committee and has been traveling nationwide to campaign for Democratic candidates, particularly throughout Southern states.
However, some party members have turned their attention toward newer Democratic leadership following Harris’ challenges in the previous presidential election.
This week’s speaker roster included Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Rep. Ro Khanna of California, and Arizona Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego.
When Buttigieg took the stage after Harris departed, he faced lukewarm applause in a room that had emptied by half. While some audience members cheered his mentions of supporting federal employees and minority-owned businesses, many had left the packed venue following Harris’ remarks to attempt taking photos with the former vice president.
Like other potential 2028 candidates this week, Buttigieg dismissed questions about another presidential campaign with laughter.
Harris provided a more direct response.
She stated “I’m thinking about it” three times when Sharpton pressed her about pursuing the White House in 2028.
“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 explained.
She added: “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.”
