At least nine potential presidential candidates were packed into the four-day schedule as jockeying for the 2028 Democratic nomination continues.
A parade of potential 2028 Democratic presidential candidates descended on New York City this week for the National Action Network’s (NAN) annual convention, a four-day gathering of civil rights leaders and activists where the speakers discussed the cost of living and what lies ahead for their political careers.
The annual event held by NAN, the civil rights organization founded by Rev. Al Sharpton, draws thousands of activists, faith leaders, and elected officials from across the country.
In presidential election cycles, it has served as an early proving ground where Democratic candidates have historically sought to build relationships with the organization’s largely black membership and audience.
At least nine prominent Democrats—including former Vice President Kamala Harris, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona, Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, and Rep. Ro Khanna of California—were all on the packed schedule at the convention. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other Democratic elected officials also addressed the gathering.
The convention is a natural stop for any serious Democratic presidential contender, Avis Jones-DeWeever, a political scientist and principal of Nouveaux Strategies, a progressive strategic communications firm, told The Epoch Times in an email.
“Black voters have a significant, if not decisive sway when it comes to Democratic presidential primaries,” she said. “As a voting bloc, they are overwhelmingly clustered in key states that have the power to be the king or queen makers come the finale of the presidential primary season.”
Jones-DeWeever pointed to the 2020 primary, when Buttigieg and Sen. Bernie Sanders performed well in early, predominantly white states before Joe Biden dominated South Carolina on the strength of black voter support and went on to win the nomination.
“Making a good impression with Black voters isn’t a nice thing to do, it’s a must for any potential presidential candidate who is serious about winning the Democratic nomination,” she said.
On Friday, Harris, the last Democratic presidential nominee, came the closest to addressing her 2028 intentions head-on. The crowd interrupted her conversation with Sharpton for about a minute, chanting “Run again.” When the room settled down, Sharpton asked her directly whether she would seek the presidency again.
“I might. I am thinking about it,” Harris said.
By Chase Smith
