Stephen A. Smith Weighing 2028 Presidential Bid

ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith says he is seriously considering entering the race for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, signaling that what once sounded like a joke may now be evolving into a possible campaign.

Over the weekend, Smith revealed that he is “giving strong consideration” to pursuing the White House. His remarks came during an interview broadcast on “CBS Sunday Morning,” where he outlined his current thinking about a potential run.

“I will confess to you, I’m giving strong consideration to being on that debate stage for 2027,” Smith said. “I’ve got this year coming up, 2026, to think about it, to study, to know the issues.”

Smith’s public musings about a presidential campaign stretch back to early 2025. In March of that year, he appeared on “The View” and characterized the idea as only partly serious, though he did not dismiss it outright.

“If you came to me and you told me I had a legitimate shot to win the presidency of the United States of America, I would definitely consider it,” he said then.

Not long after that appearance, Smith indicated that conversations with influential figures had prompted him to reflect more deeply on the possibility of running. He said he had heard from “billionaires,” “elected officials,” “pundits,” and, in particular, his “pastor,” all encouraging him to think about a campaign.

Although Smith has expressed a preference for another candidate to emerge, he has also made clear that he would not rule himself out. Speaking on ABC’s “This Week,” he said he hoped “somebody else would step up that’s more qualified,” but acknowledged that if it ultimately fell to him, “it is something I would consider. Yes, I would,” he said on ABC’s “This Week.”

President Donald Trump even weighed in on the idea during an April 30, 2025, town hall, offering praise for the sports commentator’s on-air presence.

“I love watching him. He’s got great entertainment skills, which is very important. People watch him,” Trump said. “I’ve been pretty good at picking people and picking candidates, and I will tell you, I’d love to see him run.”

Smith responded by saying he appreciated the president’s comments but emphasized that he was not seeking political backing from anyone.

“I wasn’t looking for any kind of endorsement from anybody, especially him,” he said, “but he is the president of the United States. There is a bit of flattery that comes with getting such words from the man who holds the highest office in the land, and I can appreciate that.”

Smith has built a national profile as a longtime ESPN figure and as the outspoken host of “First Take.” Known for his animated delivery and sharp debate style, he has become one of the most recognizable personalities in sports media across television and radio.