Stephen A. Smith Hints At Plans For 2028 Presidential Election

by Chris Rosvoglou

Feb 13, 2026

ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith.

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith has teased the possibility of him running for president of the United States on several occasions.

There's no question Smith is the face of ESPN’s daytime programming. The network rewarded him in 2025 with a $100 million extension. Not only is he on "First Take" every weekday, he has a non-sports show on SiriusXM Radio. Although he's more than willing to talk politics, he has said on many occasions that he doesn't want to be a politician.

“Same place I’ve always been. I have no desire to be a politician,” Smith told The Washington Post. “I have no intentions on being a politician, but I left the door open, A, because friends and loved ones of mine have asked me to do so and, B, because if these candidates appear to be as atrocious as they’ve been and we don’t see a light at the end of the tunnel to go up against what the other side is throwing in our direction, then will I entertain it? Yeah, I’ll entertain it."

Well, Smith's stance has clearly changed.

Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith looks on before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
© Jerome Miron-Imagn Images&period;

During an interview with "CBS Sunday Morning," Smith shared an update on his future in politics. He revealed that he's strongly considering a run for the presidency in 2028.

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

Which party will Stephen A. Smith represent?

Smith told "CBS Sunday Morning" that he'd run for the Democratic nomination. However, he's not always fond of the political party.

“I look at the national voice for the Democratic Party, it is non-existent," Smith said in August 2025. "As far I’m concerned, a damn construction worker could win the Democratic nomination right now, as bad as it is for the Democratic party. They better get their act together. And excuse my language, but they are in for an ass-kicking if they don’t get their act together. The party is in disarray. New leadership.”

Is Smith the voice the Democratic Party needs? I guess we'll find out.