Stephen A. Smith ‘Giving Strong Consideration’ for 2028 Democratic Presidential Bid

ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith has again signaled his potential entry into the 2028 presidential race, stating he is “giving strong consideration” to seeking the Democratic nomination for the White House.

In an interview that aired on CBS Sunday Morning, Smith revealed he is “confessing” to being in the running for the 2027 debate stage. “I’ve got this year coming up, 2026, to think about it, to study, to know the issues,” he said.

Smith’s flirtation with a presidential bid dates back nearly a year. In March 2025, during an appearance on The View, he described his intentions as “half-joking” but left the door open for a serious run. “If you came to me and you told me I had a legitimate shot to win the presidency of the United States of America, I would definitely consider it,” Smith said at that time.

Weeks later, Smith indicated he was taking his considerations more seriously after receiving calls from “billionaires,” “elected officials,” “pundits,” and his “pastor.”

Expressing hope that someone else might step up as a more qualified candidate, Smith added on ABC’s This Week that if it came down to him, he would consider running. “It is something I would consider. Yes, I would,” he said.

Former President Donald Trump also encouraged the possibility during an April 30, 2025, town hall event. “I love watching him. He’s got great entertainment skills, which is very important. People watch him,” Trump stated. “I’ve been pretty good at picking people and picking candidates, and I will tell you, I’d love to see him run.”

Smith acknowledged the flattery but stressed he was not seeking an endorsement from Trump or anyone else. “I wasn’t looking for any kind of endorsement from anybody, especially him,” Smith said. “But he is the president of the United States. There is a bit of flattery that comes with getting such words from the man who holds the highest office in the land, and I can appreciate that.”

A longtime ESPN personality and host of First Take, Smith is known for his fiery commentary and prominent role in sports talk television and radio.