Stephen A. Smith is no longer brushing off talk of a presidential run as pure hypotheticals.
In a recent sit-down on ABC News Live Prime with Linsey Davis, the longtime ESPN star said he is “dead serious” about the possibility of entering the 2028 race.
Smith told Davis that, while he has “no desire to be a politician,” he has been approached by people he considers credible about running for president.
“I’m considering it in all seriousness,” he said, explaining that conversations with trusted voices have pushed him to at least keep the option on the table. He framed the discussion as a question of responsibility rather than ambition, noting that “with tremendous power comes tremendous responsibility.”
According to Smith, some of those encouraging him believe he could realistically win given the current political climate. He recalled people telling him, “We think there is a legitimate shot that you have to win with the nonsense that I see taking place on Capitol Hill.”
Smith also cited guidance from his pastor, who urged him not to shut the door on the idea because “you never know what God has in store for you.”
Although any formal campaign filing wouldn’t happen until 2027 at the earliest, Smith made clear he’s not ruling anything out. A registered Independent, he said that if he does run, he would welcome the chance to challenge career politicians directly.
“I’m dead serious about wanting to go up against those politicians… to call out what they have done to our country, to harm us,” Smith said. “It would be my pleasure.”
These remarks build on comments Smith made last August during an appearance on Real Time with Bill Maher. At the time, he said he couldn’t imagine himself running for president but acknowledged it was still “possible.”
He expressed deep frustration with the Democratic Party’s leadership, saying its national voice was “non-existent” and that the party was “in disarray” and in need of new leadership.
Smith has repeatedly emphasized that his life outside politics is already full. He recently signed a reported five-year, $100 million deal with ESPN, hosted multiple media projects, and has taken on acting roles in shows like General Hospital and Law & Order.
“My life is pretty damn good,” he said previously, questioning why anyone would willingly enter politics.