Buttigieg Hints at 2028 Presidential Run

Former Transportation Secretary suggests he may seek the presidency again

Apr. 18, 2026 at 11:07am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A solitary figure standing on a city street corner, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually representing the political maneuvering behind a potential presidential campaign.As Buttigieg positions himself for a potential 2028 presidential run, the solitary figure on a city street reflects the choreography of modern political ambition.NYC Today

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg hinted at a potential 2028 presidential run during an appearance at the National Action Network's annual convention in New York City. When asked directly by civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton if he would be running again, Buttigieg responded, 'You save me a seat. I'll be there,' sparking cheers from the audience.

Why it matters

Buttigieg's comments are the clearest signal yet that he is positioning himself for another White House bid, after an unsuccessful run in 2020. As a rising star in the Democratic Party, his potential candidacy would likely garner significant attention and could reshape the 2028 presidential race.

The details

During his appearance, Buttigieg also defended the Biden administration's economic record and criticized former President Donald Trump's handling of inflation and rising costs. He made multiple media appearances throughout the day, including on MSNBC's 'Morning Joe' and CNBC's 'Squawk Box', where he clashed with conservative commentator Joe Kernen over the administration's economic policies.

  • Buttigieg made the comments on April 18, 2026 at the National Action Network's 35th annual convention in New York City.

The players

Pete Buttigieg

Former U.S. Secretary of Transportation and a rising star in the Democratic Party who ran for president in 2020.

Rev. Al Sharpton

Civil rights leader and host of MSNBC's 'Politics Nation'.

Joe Kernen

Co-host of CNBC's 'Squawk Box' and a veteran financial journalist known for his conservative-leaning economic commentary.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“You save me a seat. I'll be there.”

— Pete Buttigieg, Former Transportation Secretary

“Why did the president fail to keep his promise to lower prices, in your opinion?”

— Pete Buttigieg, Former Transportation Secretary

“His central campaign promise was he was going to take inflation and drive it down, and instead he took inflation and drove it up.”

— Pete Buttigieg, Former Transportation Secretary

The takeaway

Buttigieg's comments suggest he is seriously considering a second run for the presidency, which would likely reshape the 2028 Democratic primary landscape. His ability to generate national attention and his rising profile within the party make him a formidable potential candidate, though he would face a crowded field of contenders.