National Action Network Convention Offers First Glimpse of 2028 Democratic Field

Former VP Kamala Harris appears to maintain support from NAN members as she eyes another presidential run.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 11:38am

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A cinematic painting of a solitary podium in a dimly lit convention hall, with warm sunlight and deep shadows creating a sense of quiet contemplation and political introspection.The National Action Network Convention provides an early glimpse into the potential 2028 Democratic presidential field, with former VP Kamala Harris emerging as a frontrunner among the party's base.Philadelphia Today

A horde of 2028 Democratic presidential hopefuls, including Govs. Wes Moore and Josh Shapiro, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Sen. Ruben Gallego, attended Al Sharpton's National Action Network conference, nearly two years before the first primary votes will be cast. However, it was former Vice President Kamala Harris who seems to maintain the support of the organization's members as she eyes another presidential run.

Why it matters

The National Action Network Convention is seen as an important early stop for potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidates to connect with a key part of the party's base - Black voters. Harris' appearance and the enthusiastic response she received suggests she remains a formidable contender, despite some Democrats expressing a desire for 'something new' in the next nominee.

The details

During her appearance, Harris participated in a conversation with NAN founder and president, the Rev. Al Sharpton. When asked by Sharpton if she plans to run again, Harris said, "Listen, I might. I'm thinking about it." Many attendees told CBS News they would support her if she chooses to do so, including Adolphus Lacey, the pastor of Bethany Baptist Church, where Sharpton worships.

  • The National Action Network Convention took place in New York City in April 2026.
  • The first primary votes for the 2028 presidential election will be cast nearly two years after this convention.

The players

Kamala Harris

The former Vice President of the United States, who is considering another run for the presidency in 2028.

Al Sharpton

The founder and president of the National Action Network, who hosted the convention where many potential 2028 Democratic candidates spoke.

Wes Moore

The Governor of Maryland and a potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidate who attended the convention.

Josh Shapiro

The Governor of Pennsylvania and a potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidate who attended the convention.

Pete Buttigieg

The former U.S. Secretary of Transportation and a potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidate who attended the convention.

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What they’re saying

“I would support her because I still think that we could use her voice. Her voice is needed for such a time as this, and it shouldn't be a one-and-done.”

— Adolphus Lacey, Pastor of Bethany Baptist Church

“I supported her before and I will support her again. I think those who haven't supported her initially regret it.”

— Patricia Felder, Attendee from Philadelphia

“I think more than any other presidential candidate, she was prepared. She was a senator, she was an attorney general of a very large state, she was vice president and as she said here today, she knows the job, she knows what to do. It wouldn't be on-the-job training.”

— Elaine Duvall, Attendee from New York

What’s next

Harris is set to hold events in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia this coming week, bolstering support from the Democratic Party's base of Black voters in the South and fueling further speculation that she's committed to running in 2028.

The takeaway

The National Action Network Convention provided an early glimpse into the potential 2028 Democratic presidential field, with Kamala Harris emerging as a frontrunner among the party's base. However, some Democrats expressed a desire for 'something new' in the next nominee, suggesting Harris may face an uphill battle despite her experience and support from key constituencies.