Stephen A. Smith, the famously outspoken ESPN commentator known for his fiery sports takes, has set his sights on a new arena: American politics. The 58-year-old television and radio personality recently revealed that he is seriously contemplating a bid for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, a move that would transition him from the sports desk to the national political stage.
In a revealing interview with CBS Sunday Morning correspondent Robert Costa, scheduled to air on February 15, Smith acknowledged his internal deliberations about entering the political fray. While he maintains that he has "no desire" to become a career politician, the media heavyweight admitted he is giving strong consideration to joining the presidential debate stage in 2027 as he pursues the Democratic nomination. The interview, teased by Costa on social media on February 13, captures Smith in a contemplative mood about his future role in public discourse.
Smith's political aspirations didn't materialize overnight. He has granted himself a deliberate timeline, explaining that 2026 will serve as his year of reflection and preparation. "I've got this year coming up 2026, to think about it, to study, to know the issues," Smith told Costa, demonstrating a methodical approach to what would undoubtedly be a monumental career shift. This period of introspection suggests the commentator understands the gravity of transitioning from sports media to political leadership.
The ESPN host's journey toward political consideration has been marked by evolving public statements. In April 2025, Smith took to social media platform X to announce his openness to the possibility, writing, "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." This declaration represented a significant shift from his earlier stance, when he had dismissed the notion of running for office.
Just a month before that April post, Smith had expressed a clear preference for his current role, telling USA TODAY that he didn't "give a damn about the office" and would rather spar with political leaders than become one himself. However, the political landscape and his own perspective have clearly shifted in the intervening months, prompting him to keep his options open.
Smith's critique of the current political environment, particularly within the Democratic Party, appears to be a driving force behind his consideration. During a July 27, 2025, appearance on ABC's "This Week" with Jonathan Karl, the commentator didn't hold back his assessment of the party he would seek to represent. He argued that Democrats look "very bad right now because they look leaderless," drawing a sharp contrast with the Republican Party's unified front behind former President Donald Trump.
"One party has a lead in Donald Trump. You can refute. Yeah. Nobody can refute that. He is the leader of the GOP and the Republican Party. Make no mistake about it. The Democrats don't have a leader," Smith asserted during the broadcast. He challenged viewers to identify the Democratic Party's definitive voice, asking rhetorically, "We -- I see -- who -- who's your leader? Who is it? Is it AOC? Is it Bernie Sanders? Is it Jasmine Crockett? Who is it? We respect so many people on Capitol Hill."
Smith emphasized that his criticism wasn't personal but rather structural. "I'm certainly not here to cast dispersions upon individuals, but as a body, the Democratic Party just looks very, very bad right now because they look leaderless," he explained. "They don't have a definitive voice that anybody can depend on."
Despite his critique, Smith has identified potential rising stars within the party. He specifically mentioned Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro as promising figures. "When we look towards 2028, for example, we see a guy like Governor Wes Moore, who I like a lot, and I think is very capable, a Josh Shapiro, the governor of Pennsylvania, who I like and I think is very, very capable," Smith noted. However, he maintained that the party currently lacks a national voice that resonates across the country.
The media personality's potential candidacy raises numerous questions about the intersection of entertainment, sports commentary, and politics in modern America. Smith has built his career on bold, unfiltered opinions about athletes like NBA superstar LeBron James and political figures like Donald Trump. His communication style, characterized by passionate monologues and direct confrontation, would represent a stark departure from traditional political rhetoric.
Should Smith proceed with his presidential ambitions, he would face significant challenges. While his name recognition and media savvy are undeniable assets, polling data suggests he would have considerable ground to cover in building a viable political operation. The transition from commentator to candidate requires assembling a campaign infrastructure, developing detailed policy positions, and navigating the complex fundraising landscape of national politics.
Moreover, Smith's outspoken nature, while celebrated in sports media, could present vulnerabilities in the political arena where every statement is scrutinized. His history of controversial opinions and his admission that he "hate[s] the thought of being a politician" might create obstacles in convincing voters of his sincerity and commitment to public service.
The 2028 presidential election remains years away, and much can change in the political landscape. Smith's self-imposed 2026 decision deadline provides him with time to gauge public reaction, deepen his understanding of policy issues, and determine whether his brand of straight-talking commentary can translate into electoral success. For now, the sports world and political observers alike are watching closely as one of media's most recognizable voices contemplates his most significant career move yet.