Democrats Gather at National Action Network Convention
Top Democratic lawmakers and potential 2028 presidential contenders are gathering at Reverend Al Sharpton's National Action Network Convention in New York. The event serves as a crucial platform to court Black voters and discuss party strategy.
Latest Developments

First glimpse of 2028 Democratic field at National Action Network Convention
A horde of 2028 Democratic presidential hopefuls attended Al Sharpton's National Action Network conference. This gathering occurred nearly two years before the first primary votes for the next presidential election will be cast. Their presence signals the very early stages of the Democratic Party's maneuvering for the 2028 nomination. The event provided an initial opportunity for potential candidates to connect with a key constituency and raise their profiles.

Democrats embrace DEI as ‘American values’ at National Action Network - AP News
Democrats are embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, framing them as "American values" at the National Action Network conference. This positioning comes as DEI programs face increasing scrutiny and legislative challenges, particularly from conservative groups. By aligning DEI with core American principles, Democrats aim to defend and promote these efforts against criticism. The strategy seeks to galvanize support among their base and potentially broaden the appeal of DEI policies to a wider electorate. This approach highlights a clear political division over the role and implementation of DEI in American institutions.

Watch live: Harris speaks at Al Sharpton’s New York conference amid 2028 speculation
Former Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to speak live at the Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network (NAN) conference in New York on Friday morning. This appearance follows her increased public profile in recent months. The speech is notable as it occurs amid growing speculation regarding a potential White House bid by Harris in 2028. Harris previously lost a presidential election, and her remarks at the NAN conference are being closely watched for indications of her future political ambitions.

Harris invites 2028 speculation with speech in New York to Al Sharpton-hosted event
Former Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a speech in New York at an event hosted by Al Sharpton, fueling speculation about a potential 2028 presidential bid. Harris, who lost the 2024 presidential election to President Trump, is increasing her public and online presence. This activity includes frequent comments on the war in Iran and a refusal to dismiss future political aspirations. Her actions suggest she is positioning herself as a candidate-in-waiting for the next presidential cycle.

Top Democrats gather at National Action Network Convention
Top Democrats are gathering this week at Reverend Al Sharpton's National Action Network Convention in New York. Democratic lawmakers are attending the event with the specific aim of courting Black voters. This effort highlights the party's focus on engaging a key demographic ahead of upcoming political cycles. CBS News' Fin Gómez is covering the convention.
Key Facts
Top Democratic lawmakers are gathering in New York City for Al Sharpton's National Action Network Convention.
Source: CBS News
Democrats are hoping to court Black voters at the convention.
Source: CBS News
Leading Democratic party figures and potential 2028 presidential contenders are attending.
Source: The Guardian US News
The Rev. Al Sharpton is currently hosting the 35th convention of his National Action Network.
Source: Politico
Recent Highlights
National Action Network Convention begins in New York.
Top Democrats continue to gather at the convention to court Black voters and discuss strategy.
Full Coverage (13 articles)

First glimpse of 2028 Democratic field at National Action Network Convention
A horde of 2028 Democratic presidential hopefuls attended Al Sharpton's National Action Network conference. This gathering occurred nearly two years before the first primary votes for the next presidential election will be cast. Their presence signals the very early stages of the Democratic Party's maneuvering for the 2028 nomination. The event provided an initial opportunity for potential candidates to connect with a key constituency and raise their profiles.

Democrats embrace DEI as ‘American values’ at National Action Network - AP News
Democrats are embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, framing them as "American values" at the National Action Network conference. This positioning comes as DEI programs face increasing scrutiny and legislative challenges, particularly from conservative groups. By aligning DEI with core American principles, Democrats aim to defend and promote these efforts against criticism. The strategy seeks to galvanize support among their base and potentially broaden the appeal of DEI policies to a wider electorate. This approach highlights a clear political division over the role and implementation of DEI in American institutions.

Watch live: Harris speaks at Al Sharpton’s New York conference amid 2028 speculation
Former Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to speak live at the Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network (NAN) conference in New York on Friday morning. This appearance follows her increased public profile in recent months. The speech is notable as it occurs amid growing speculation regarding a potential White House bid by Harris in 2028. Harris previously lost a presidential election, and her remarks at the NAN conference are being closely watched for indications of her future political ambitions.

Harris invites 2028 speculation with speech in New York to Al Sharpton-hosted event
Former Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a speech in New York at an event hosted by Al Sharpton, fueling speculation about a potential 2028 presidential bid. Harris, who lost the 2024 presidential election to President Trump, is increasing her public and online presence. This activity includes frequent comments on the war in Iran and a refusal to dismiss future political aspirations. Her actions suggest she is positioning herself as a candidate-in-waiting for the next presidential cycle.

Top Democrats gather at National Action Network Convention
Top Democrats are gathering this week at Reverend Al Sharpton's National Action Network Convention in New York. Democratic lawmakers are attending the event with the specific aim of courting Black voters. This effort highlights the party's focus on engaging a key demographic ahead of upcoming political cycles. CBS News' Fin Gómez is covering the convention.

‘We can’t lose’: all eyes on potential 2028 Democratic contenders at big party gathering for this year’s midterms
Leading Democratic party figures and potential 2028 presidential contenders gathered at the annual National Action Network (NAN) convention in New York City. Hosted by the Rev Al Sharpton, discussions at the event centered on strategizing for the upcoming midterm elections. This gathering is significant as Democrats aim to avoid losses in the midterms while also positioning potential candidates for the 2028 presidential race. Key topics included affordability, the war in Iran, and the future direction of the Democratic party.

Top Democrats gather for Al Sharpton's conference in New York
Top Democrats are gathering in New York City for Al Sharpton's National Action Network Conference this week. These prominent figures are reportedly considering potential 2028 presidential bids. Their attendance at the conference provides a platform to connect with a key constituency and raise their national profiles. This gathering signals early maneuvering among Democrats looking toward the next presidential election cycle, even as President Trump's second term has just begun. CBS News political director Fin Gómez is reporting on the event.

Top Democrats gather for Al Sharpton's conference in New York
Top Democrats are gathering in New York City for Al Sharpton's National Action Network Conference this week. These prominent figures include individuals who may be considering presidential bids for 2028. Their attendance at this conference is significant as it provides a platform for potential candidates to connect with a key demographic and build support early. CBS News political director Fin Gómez is covering the event, highlighting its importance in the lead-up to the next presidential election cycle.

The enduring influence of Al Sharpton
The Rev. Al Sharpton is currently hosting the 35th convention of his National Action Network, drawing numerous political figures seeking his endorsement. Governors Wes Moore, JB Pritzker, and Josh Shapiro, along with Senator Ruben Gallego, met with Sharpton today and yesterday. Former Vice President Kamala Harris, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and Senator Cory Booker are also scheduled to meet him. This demonstrates Sharpton's significant clout, which extends from New York City politics to national presidential hopefuls. Sharpton recently stated he believes Harris deserves a "second look" as a presidential candidate, attributing criticism against her to sexism and racism.

WATCH: Democratic presidential prospects flock to Al Sharpton's conference in New York
Democratic presidential prospects are attending Rev. Al Sharpton's annual conference in New York this week. These ambitious politicians are actively courting African American activists at the event. This gathering marks an early stage in the Democratic Party's unofficial 2028 presidential nomination contest. Their presence underscores the importance of securing support from key demographic groups and influential figures like Rev. Al Sharpton ahead of the next election cycle.

The Democrats Don’t Know Who They’ll Be in 2028. Michigan May Offer an Answer.
Michigan Senate candidates Mallory McMorrow and Abdul El-Sayed are engaged in a primary contest highlighting the Democratic Party's internal struggle over its future direction. McMorrow, a Michigan state senator, and El-Sayed, a physician and former gubernatorial candidate, are vying for the nomination against Rep. Haley Stevens. El-Sayed criticized President Trump's "genocidal, illegal, unjustifiable war with Iran" and campaigned with popular political streamer Hasan Piker at two 600-attendee university rallies. McMorrow, meanwhile, encouraged Democrats to consider invoking the 25th Amendment and criticized El-Sayed for campaigning with Piker, comparing him to "the far-right, neo-Nazi podcaster Nick Fuentes." This primary is seen as a "proxy fight for 2028" and a referendum on how far left the Democratic Party should go.

Democratic presidential prospects flock to New York
Democratic presidential prospects are actively courting African American activists in New York this week. This gathering marks the unofficial beginning of the Democratic Party’s 2028 presidential nomination contest. The politicians are seeking to build early support among a crucial demographic within the party. Their presence in New York indicates an initial phase of positioning for the upcoming election cycle.

Khanna keeps door open to possible 2028 White House bid
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) indicated he is considering a potential 2028 presidential campaign. Khanna made the remarks during a discussion with civil rights leader Al Sharpton at the National Action Network’s annual convention in New York. This signals early maneuvering among potential Democratic contenders for the 2028 election cycle. His comments suggest a possible future challenge for the Democratic Party's nomination.
