Times Square is doubling as a political audition stage this week, as a crowd of would-be 2028 Democratic contenders files into Rev. Al Sharpton's National Action Network convention. Inside the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, they are angling for something every early presidential hopeful wants: face time with Black voters and the organizers who help decide which campaigns get real traction.
Bloomberg reported that the expected parade of names includes Sen. Ruben Gallego, Sen. Mark Kelly, Gov. Josh Shapiro, Gov. Wes Moore, former Vice President Kamala Harris, Gov. JB Pritzker, Gov. Andy Beshear and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, among others. The outlet noted that the timing is no small thing, since this schmoozing marathon is happening nearly two years before the first primary votes are cast.
Where and when
The National Action Network convention runs April 8–11 at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, according to National Action Network. The schedule is packed with panels, ticketed luncheons, and Friday and Saturday rallies spread across the hotel ballrooms, giving ambitious Democrats several built-in chances to share a stage with Sharpton and local leaders.
Who's in the room
As laid out in Bloomberg, the crowd skews toward senators, governors and national figures who are eager to speak directly to Black voters and the movement's power brokers. Several of the would-be candidates are expected to appear on panels and in on-stage conversations with Sharpton while they test their message outside the familiar early primary states.
Why it matters
Sharpton's annual convention has become a must-stop for Democrats who want to shore up civil rights credentials and connect with organizers who can actually turn out voters. Past gatherings have drawn governors and big-city mayors, a pattern that helps explain why so many 2028 hopefuls are carving out time for Midtown this week, according to City & State NY.
What to watch
Keep an eye out for the big set pieces: on-stage moments such as fireside chats with Sharpton, the Saturday "President's Address" and issue-heavy panels on voting rights and economic justice. Those are the kinds of sessions that can generate headlines or nudge local leaders toward early endorsements. The convention schedule highlights those events and lists live coverage options, turning the weekend into a showcase where campaign messaging and movement politics collide, according to National Action Network.
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