Pete Buttigieg and Kamala Harris both hint at 2028 runs as Democrats test the waters

At a bustling New York convention hall this week, the 2028 Democratic presidential race quietly took shape. Former Vice President Kamala Harris and ex-Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg both made appearances at the National Action Network's annual conference, where each offered subtle but unmistakable hints about their political futures.

Harris, drawing loud chants of "Run again!" from the crowd, responded with a measured but telling line: "I'm thinking about it." Her brief remarks, delivered Friday morning, marked her clearest signal yet that she could seek the presidency for a third time. She ran in 2020 and briefly served as vice president before stepping down in 2025.

Buttigieg, speaking later in the day, took a lighter tone. Reflecting on his past outreach missteps with Black voters, he joked that if he runs in 2028, he'd make sure to have lunch with Rev. Al Sharpton-"and not just photo-ops," he added. The comment drew laughter, but also underscored a deeper challenge both he and Harris now face: rebuilding trust with African American communities that have expressed doubts about their authenticity and commitment.

That skepticism was evident in hallway conversations and panel discussions throughout the event. Some attendees praised Harris's record on criminal justice reform, but others questioned whether she had done enough to deliver tangible change. One Brooklyn-based organizer said, "She's got the resume, but did she show up when it mattered?" Similar concerns followed Buttigieg, whose 2020 campaign struggled to gain traction with Black voters despite his policy proposals.

The gathering, long a touchstone for Democratic candidates courting Black political support, has taken on added weight after the party's 2024 losses in key urban districts. With President Biden's term ending in 2028, the field is wide open, and early positioning is already underway. Other potential contenders, including governors and members of Congress, also attended, but Harris and Buttigieg drew the most attention.

Rev. Sharpton, who hosted the event, didn't endorse anyone but emphasized the need for accountability. "We're not a rubber stamp," he said during a panel. "Candidates have to earn this community, not assume it." His words served as a reminder that while both Harris and Buttigieg are testing the waters, the current isn't necessarily in their favor.

For now, neither has declared a campaign. But with national polls still months away and grassroots sentiment shifting, their appearances this week may be remembered as the first real steps toward a long, uncertain road. The question isn't just whether they'll run-it's whether the voters they need most will be ready to follow.