Sharpton Sizes Up Potential 2028 Democratic Contenders at Convention

Rev. Al Sharpton reflects on performances of 10 Democrats at his civil rights group's event

Apr. 12, 2026 at 9:08pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cinematic painting of an empty podium on a dimly lit stage, with warm diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of quiet anticipation before a political event.The stage stands empty, awaiting the arrival of potential 2028 Democratic presidential contenders at a pivotal convention for Black voters.NYC Today

In an interview, the Rev. Al Sharpton discussed his impressions of 10 Democrats who spoke at a convention hosted by his civil rights group, the National Action Network, as they weigh potential 2028 presidential runs. Sharpton was surprised by how open former Vice President Kamala Harris seemed to a future campaign and how well-received Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear was, calling him a 'relative unknown' comparable to former President Bill Clinton.

Why it matters

Sharpton's civil rights group hosts a major event that draws attention from potential Democratic presidential candidates, as the Black vote is a crucial constituency in Democratic primaries. His assessments of the potential contenders' performances provide an early look at the 2028 field.

The details

The four-day convention was held in New York by the National Action Network, which has chapters across the United States. Sharpton said he did not think any of the Democrats who spoke had major gaffes, though he was surprised by Harris' openness to running again and impressed by Beshear, who he compared to Clinton.

  • The convention was held in April 2026.

The players

Rev. Al Sharpton

The civil rights activist who hosted the convention and provided assessments of the potential 2028 Democratic candidates.

Kamala Harris

The former Vice President who Sharpton said seemed open to running for president again in 2028.

Andy Beshear

The Governor of Kentucky who Sharpton compared to former President Bill Clinton and said was well-received by the audience, despite being a 'relative unknown'.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If there was one that was an eyebrow raiser, it was Beshear.”

— Rev. Al Sharpton, Civil rights activist

“I don't think anybody flunked.”

— Rev. Al Sharpton, Civil rights activist

The takeaway

Sharpton's assessments provide an early look at potential contenders for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, with his surprise at Harris' openness to running again and praise for the relatively unknown Beshear suggesting some unexpected dynamics in the next primary race.