ESPN's Stephen A. Smith Considering 2028 Presidential Run

Outspoken sports personality mulls Democratic nomination bid

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith is reportedly giving "strong consideration" to running for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, according to an interview with CBS News. Smith, known for his bold opinions and confrontational style, says he plans to spend the next year studying the issues before deciding on a potential campaign.

Why it matters

Smith's potential presidential run would mark a significant transition from sports media to national politics. As a prominent and polarizing figure, his candidacy could shake up the 2028 race and bring increased attention to key issues and debates.

The details

In an interview with CBS News correspondent Robert Costa, Smith expressed interest in running for president, stating he will "confess" that he is "giving strong consideration to being on that debate stage for 2027." Smith plans to spend the next year preparing and "studying the issues" before making a final decision. The news comes after former President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Smith's potential candidacy last year, calling him a talented entertainer with the necessary skills for politics.

  • In May 2025, former President Donald Trump expressed support for Smith's potential 2028 presidential run.
  • Smith says he will spend 2026 "to think about it, to study, to know the issues" before deciding on a 2028 campaign.

The players

Stephen A. Smith

A prominent ESPN commentator known for his outspoken personality and bold sports opinions.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who publicly endorsed Smith's potential 2028 presidential run.

Robert Costa

A national correspondent for CBS Sunday Morning and the chief Washington analyst for CBS News, who interviewed Smith about his 2028 considerations.

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What they’re saying

“I will confess to you, I'm giving strong consideration to being on that debate stage for 2027 and running for the Democratic nomination.”

— Stephen A. Smith, ESPN Commentator (CBS News)

“I love watching him. He's got great entertainment skills, which is very important. People watch him. You know, a lot of these Democrats I watch, I say they have no chance. I've been pretty good at picking people and picking candidates. And I will tell you, I'd love to see him run.”

— Donald Trump, Former President (NewsNation)

What’s next

Smith plans to spend 2026 studying the issues and preparing for a potential 2028 presidential run, with a decision expected by the end of the year.

The takeaway

Stephen A. Smith's potential transition from sports media to national politics would be a significant shift, bringing his bold personality and confrontational style to the campaign trail. His candidacy could shake up the 2028 race and force key debates on important issues, though his political inexperience may also be a challenge.