Former Vice President Kamala Harris indicated on Friday that she is contemplating a 2028 presidential run, signaling a possible effort to lead the Democratic Party back to the White House after her 2024 defeat. Speaking at an event hosted by the National Action Network in New York, Harris told an audience and civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton, “I might, I might,” when asked about her intentions.

Harris, who served as vice president from 2021 to 2025, acknowledged her close proximity to the presidency during her term. “I served for four years being a heartbeat away from the presidency of the United States,” she said. “I know what the job is and I know what it requires.” The event also featured appearances from other potential 2028 Democratic contenders.

Her loss to former President Donald Trump last year was a significant setback for Democrats, who are now grappling with questions about the party’s direction and the profile of candidates best positioned to challenge the Republican hold on the executive branch. While Democrats have made some gains in recent state elections amid waning Trump approval ratings, political analysts expect the 2028 presidential contest to be highly competitive.

“Democrats can win in the midterm through protest votes against [Trump’s] direction of the country, but they’ll clearly need a vision for 2028 and beyond to win the presidency,” said Thad Kousser, a political science professor at the University of California, San Diego.

The field of potential Democratic candidates for 2028 is shaping up to be crowded. Governors JB Pritzker of Illinois and Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona, and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg have all participated in sessions at the National Action Network gathering. California Governor Gavin Newsom, who is also weighing a presidential bid, was notably absent from the event.

Recent polling indicates Newsom holds a significant lead over Harris among California Democrats considering the party’s next presidential candidate. Harris’ decision in July to forgo a run for California governor left the possibility of another presidential bid open, though she has also pursued other endeavors, including publishing a book reflecting on her 2024 campaign.

Harris’ high name recognition presents mixed prospects. While her national profile places her favorably in early polls, political observers caution that voters often gravitate toward newer candidates during primary contests. Her 2024 defeat may also pose a hurdle in a race many expect to pivot around assessments of Trump’s legacy.

“Elections are about the future, and I think it’s really tough for people who are part of our past to make that case,” said Democratic strategist Joe Caiazzo, noting a desire among voters for “something fresh, new, exciting.”

When asked about her plans, Harris said she was focused on determining who could best serve the American people and promised to share updates in due course.