Stephen A. Smith Floats 2028 Run, Reveals ‘Platform’

ESPN host Stephen A. Smith is no longer brushing off questions about a potential presidential campaign.

In recent interviews, the outspoken sports commentator confirmed he is seriously considering a 2028 run for the White House, saying he is “giving strong consideration” to stepping onto the national debate stage.

Smith made the remarks during an interview with CBS News correspondent Robert Costa for CBS Sunday Morning, where he acknowledged that while he enjoys his career in sports media, the current state of politics has him thinking differently.

“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.”

The 58-year-old media personality also revealed that discussions about a possible run are not just internet chatter.

“I’ve been approached by people on Capitol Hill … people who are elected officials in office … people have legitimately, seriously, asked me about it,” Smith said during the CBS interview.

Despite the buzz, Smith made clear that he does not relish the idea of becoming a career politician. In a post on X earlier this month, he wrote, “Time to stop messing around. Life is great. Especially at ESPN/Disney. Hate the thought of being a politician. But sick of this mess. So I’m officially leaving all doors open.”

That sentiment appears to capture Smith’s internal conflict — satisfaction with his current success combined with frustration over what he sees happening in Washington. He has framed his possible candidacy less as a desire to join the political class and more as a challenge to it.

In a January interview with theGrio, Smith said, “I’m dead serious about wanting to go up against those politicians, not be a politician, but wanting to go up against them on a debate stage to call out what they have done to our country, to harm us.”

Smith has not formally declared a party affiliation for any future run, though he has suggested he would likely compete in the Democratic primary if he chooses to enter the race. He has previously described himself as fiscally conservative and socially liberal, signaling that he may attempt to position himself as a pragmatic alternative rather than an ideological candidate. He has also expressed confidence in his ability to compete against more traditional political figures.

During a past television appearance, Smith stated bluntly, “I think I can beat them all,” when discussing potential 2028 contenders. For now, however, Smith is emphasizing preparation rather than declaration. He has repeatedly noted that 2026 will be a year of study and evaluation before making any final decision.

“I’ve got this year coming up — 2026 — to think about it, to study, to know the issues,” he reiterated in the CBS interview.

Whether the longtime ESPN personality ultimately files paperwork remains to be seen. But what is clear is that Smith is no longer dismissing the idea outright. Instead, he is openly exploring it — and signaling that if he runs, it will be as someone determined to confront what he views as political complacency head-on.

For now, the sports world’s most animated voice is keeping the door open — and the political class is watching.