Stephen A. Smith Announces Political Party For Midterm Elections

There's less than two months to go before the Midterm Elections and while ESPN's Stephen A. Smith isn't running for public office, he is looking to get politically involved. Sort of.

by Tzvi Machlin

Sep 16, 2026

Stephen A. Smith in 2021.

There’s less than two months to go before the Midterm Elections and while ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith isn’t running for public office, he is looking to get politically involved. Sort of.

Taking to X this morning, Smith made it clear that he is not aligning himself with either of the two major political parties. He declared that he’s an “Independent” for the election and intends to speak on the issues without pledging loyalty to either party.

“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I’m an Independent. I’m going to speak on the issues, ask the tough questions and call it like I see it,” Smith wrote. He then shared a poll asking which party his audience identifies with most.

Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith on the ESPN First Take set at the CFP Fan Central at the George World Congress Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Smith and Politics

Smith has made it pretty clear through the years that he loves the aesthetics of being politically involved far more than the nuts and bolts of it. Aside from going on various TV shows and podcasts to speak his mind, he doesn’t seem all that interested in courting favor greater favor with political factions or even building a base of political support.

It should be little wonder then that the responses to his question were more so people arguing and calling for decisive action rather than people praising Smith for his own views:

“How about neither. Learn to love your neighbor and let’s bring this (expletive) corrupt Government to its knees. 300 + million of us vs Local, State and Federal officials. Enough is enough. Neither side represents us,” one user declared.

“The day America abolishes the two party system is the day we are free,” wrote another.

“You’re an independent,” a third remarked. “But vote Democrat 100% of the time. I am sure.”

“Dude you’re definitely not an independent you’re a grifter.”

Jun 5, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Stephen A. Smith looks on before the game between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks in game two of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

The only thing politically involved people dislike as much as their political rivals is people who ride the fence politically.

Smith may be more than willing to criticize politicians of all political ideologies, but that will only makes it harder for him to find a base of people who are willing to support his own beliefs when he expresses them.

Two years ago Smith might have been an interesting choice to run for higher political office. But it’s hard to imagine that ever materializing until he makes a massive change in how he approaches politics.