NEW YORK — Former Vice President Kamala Harris revealed Friday that she’s seriously weighing another White House campaign after supporters at a civil rights gathering urged her to seek the presidency once more.
When Rev. Al Sharpton posed the direct question about a 2028 run, Harris responded: “I might. I am thinking about it.”
The exchange occurred at the National Action Network’s yearly gathering, where over six potential Democratic candidates made appearances throughout the 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 year’s midterm elections, the convention highlighted how various party figures are already positioning themselves for what’s expected to be a competitive race.
Currently, no obvious frontrunner has emerged. However, Harris appeared to be the crowd favorite at Sharpton’s event.
The former vice president, who broke barriers as the first Black woman to hold that office and served as the 2024 Democratic presidential candidate, was the only speaker to receive a standing ovation and drew the week’s largest audience. Supporters interrupted her speech multiple times with calls of “Run again!”
Sharpton highlighted that Harris collected more votes in her unsuccessful 2024 race than former Democratic Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton achieved in their campaigns.
“Whatever she decides to do, she made a point in history,” Sharpton remarked.
This isn’t the first time Harris has hinted at another presidential campaign since departing office 15 months ago. She recently established a political action committee and has been traveling nationwide to campaign for Democratic candidates, particularly in Southern states.
However, some party members are looking toward newer Democratic leadership following Harris’ challenges in the most recent presidential election.
This week’s speaker roster included Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, California Representative Ro Khanna, and Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego.
When Buttigieg took the stage after Harris departed, he spoke to lukewarm applause in a significantly emptied auditorium. While some attendees cheered his remarks about supporting federal employees and minority-owned businesses, many had left following Harris’ address to attempt photographs with the former vice president.
Like other potential 2028 candidates this week, Buttigieg dismissed questions about future presidential ambitions with humor.
Harris provided a more direct response.
She stated “I’m thinking about it” three separate times when Sharpton inquired about her 2028 intentions.
“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.”
