Democratic 2028 Hopefuls Court Black Leaders at Sharpton Conference

At Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network conference in New York this week, a slate of leading Democratic figures widely viewed as 2028 presidential prospects is making its case to African American activists and clergy, underscoring how early the next primary contest is taking shape. On the opening day, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro — a first‑term governor in a pivotal swing state — delivered a sharply critical speech accusing President Donald Trump of making 'everyone less safe' and fueling antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism and broader bigotry, and arguing the nation lacks an 'honorable' president. The speaker lineup also includes Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Rep. Ro Khanna, and Arizona Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego, with former Vice President Kamala Harris slated to appear and California Gov. Gavin Newsom sending word of a prior sit‑down with Sharpton. Sharpton framed the event as a test of what these politicians are doing and envisioning now rather than just who might run, while the absence of any clear early favorite reflects a wide‑open Democratic field. The focus on this conference highlights the continued centrality of Black voters — and Black faith and civil‑rights leadership — in determining who ultimately captures the party’s presidential nomination.