NEW YORK — This week, prominent Democratic figures are actively seeking to engage African American activists in New York as the unofficial race for the 2028 presidential nomination begins to unfold at an annual conference hosted by Rev. Al Sharpton.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro kicked off the event with a critical assessment of President Donald Trump’s tenure, arguing that his leadership has contributed to a rise in antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism, and other forms of bigotry, making the nation less safe. “There’s more chaos, there’s more cruelty in our world,” Shapiro remarked. He emphasized the need for a president who embodies honor, stating, “We do not have that right now.”
Shapiro, viewed as a leading candidate for the 2028 presidential nomination and poised for reelection in his competitive state, utilized the first day of the National Action Network’s four-day gathering to deliver a strong rebuke of Trump. The conference has attracted several potential contenders eager to connect with Black leaders, who represent a vital voting demographic for the Democratic Party.
While the presidential primary season will not officially commence until after the upcoming midterm elections in November, this conference is providing a platform for Democrats to establish their positions ahead of what is anticipated to be a highly contested primary.
Currently, there does not appear to be a definitive frontrunner. “Everyone is speculating about who may enter the presidential race,” said Sharpton, founder and president of the National Action Network. “My priority is understanding their vision and current actions, which is why I’ve invited all potential candidates.”
The lineup of speakers includes Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, California Representative Ro Khanna, and Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego. Former Vice President Kamala Harris, the last Democratic nominee, is also on the agenda. However, California Governor Gavin Newsom, another expected candidate, will not be present due to a prior family commitment, although he had met with Sharpton earlier this year.
The significant influence of Black voters in Democratic primaries is evident. In the 2020 election cycle, Buttigieg performed well in the predominantly white Iowa caucus and secured a strong second place in New Hampshire. However, Joe Biden’s stronghold on the Black vote propelled him to victory in South Carolina, ultimately aiding his campaign against progressive challenger Senator Bernie Sanders.
All potential candidates for 2028 are quick to criticize Trump, but there is a consensus that Democrats must also articulate their own vision rather than focusing solely on opposition. The White House has not provided comments regarding the conference.
Khanna, a supporter of Sanders, spoke to activists on Wednesday, suggesting that progressive candidates in 2028 could resonate more with Black voters by connecting with the Civil Rights legacy and presenting a vision grounded in Black history. “A 2028 candidate must articulate a new moral vision for America,” Khanna stated, emphasizing that any campaign should draw inspiration from historical figures like Frederick Douglass and Martin Luther King Jr., while advocating for racial and economic justice, peace, and equity.
During his address, Shapiro, who was a finalist in Harris’s search for a running mate in 2024, underlined his electability and dedication to African American issues. He characterized Pennsylvania as “the ultimate swing state” and defended diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, asserting that law enforcement must be held accountable for their actions. He reiterated his criticism of Trump, framing the upcoming midterm elections as a “national referendum on Donald Trump and what is unfolding in Washington, D.C.”
Ashley Sharpton, Rev. Sharpton’s youngest daughter, expressed surprise at the audience’s enthusiasm and engagement during the initial day of the conference while Shapiro and Khanna spoke. She conveyed anticipation for the upcoming presentations from Moore, Harris, and Buttigieg. “That’s why people come,” she noted. “They want to harness that energy, that consistency, that foundational support.”
