House Democrat Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) has stated he is considering a potential run for the 2028 presidential election, according to his recent interactions with civil rights advocate Al Sharpton.

Sharpton recently raised the possibility of Khanna seeking the presidency during discussions at the National Action Network convention in New York City. Khanna responded with a joke: “You’re going to be my running mate?”

Khanna also indicated that his immediate focus should be securing Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) as Speaker of the House. He outlined two key aspects for a potential presidential campaign: an economic vision ensuring all Americans have a stake in national growth, including workers’ equity, Black communities participating in AI advancements, and accessible healthcare and childcare; and a commitment to moving beyond colonial models in global governance.

Khanna is one of several Democratic figures exploring a 2028 presidential bid. Other potential candidates include California Governor Gavin Newsom, former Vice President Kamala Harris, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, and Senator Ruben Gallego. The National Action Network convention has become a primary venue for these contenders to engage with Black voters and civil rights leaders ahead of the election.

Nearly all lawmakers at the event have either expressed interest in running or have not ruled out a presidential candidacy.