Former Vice President Kamala Harris is leaving the door open to another run for the White House, telling a packed audience of Black voters that she is “thinking about” a 2028 bid while stopping short of making a formal commitment.
Appearing at the annual convention hosted by Al Sharpton’s National Action Network in Manhattan, Harris drew repeated standing ovations and chants of “run again” from attendees eager to see her return to the national stage following her 2024 loss.
Pressed directly by Sharpton on whether she plans to seek the presidency again, Harris offered her clearest public acknowledgment to date that another campaign is under consideration.
“Listen, I might. I’m thinking about it,” Harris said. “I’ll keep you posted.”
The response electrified the crowd, with Sharpton briefly stepping in to quiet the enthusiastic audience. “This is a convention, not a revival,” he said, drawing laughter.
While Harris did not formally declare her intentions, her appearance underscored her continued prominence within the Democratic Party—particularly among Black voters, who remain a critical bloc in presidential primaries. The National Action Network gathering served as an early proving ground for a wide field of potential 2028 contenders, including governors, senators and former cabinet officials seeking to build credibility with one of the party’s most influential constituencies.
Throughout her remarks, Harris focused heavily on contrasting Democratic priorities with those of Donald Trump, criticizing his handling of the economy and foreign policy, including a recent military action involving Iran that she said lacked coordination with Western allies.
“Instead of taking care of the average, everyday folk, he’s been taking care of his rich friends and his family,” Harris said. “He is telling the American people he doesn’t care about you.”
She also warned that the conservative-leaning U.S. Supreme Court could weaken the Voting Rights Act, a move she said would disproportionately impact Black political representation.
In a notable appeal to the audience, Harris encouraged Black voters to adopt a more results-driven approach when evaluating candidates.
“Vote because I’m gonna get something out of it,” she said. “If you’re gonna get my vote, this is what I expect.”
The four-day convention featured a parade of prospective Democratic presidential candidates, including Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego. All received polite receptions, but Harris—buoyed by her historic tenure as the first Black woman vice president—commanded the strongest response.
“Everybody’s talking about who may run for president,” Sharpton said. “I want to first know what their vision is now, and what they’re doing now.”
Early polling suggests Harris remains a leading figure in a still-forming field, aided by high name recognition from her vice presidency and prior campaigns. However, surveys also show mixed perceptions of her electability among Democrats, highlighting what could be a competitive and wide-open primary.