ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith announced he is seriously considering running for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028, marking a potential shift from sports commentary to national politics.

Smith Signals Presidential Interest

The 58-year-old First Take host told CBS that while he has no desire to be a politician, he is giving strong consideration to appearing on the 2027 debate stage. Smith plans to use 2026 to study policy issues and prepare for a potential campaign. His comments follow nearly a year of public speculation about entering the presidential race after declaring in April 2025 that he was leaving all doors open.

Democratic Leadership Criticism

Smith has repeatedly criticized the Democratic Party for appearing leaderless compared to Republicans under Donald Trump. During a July 2025 ABC appearance, he questioned who serves as the party’s definitive voice, stating the Democrats look very bad because they lack clear leadership. While praising potential candidates like Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Smith argued that no national Democratic voice currently exists to unify the party heading into 2028.

Trump Endorses Smith’s Potential Run

President Trump expressed support for Smith’s presidential ambitions during a 2025 NewsNation town hall, calling the ESPN host entertaining and saying he would love to see him run. Trump praised Smith’s entertainment skills and ability to attract viewers, suggesting these qualities could translate to political success. However, past polling indicates Smith would face significant challenges winning over voters despite his media prominence and outspoken political commentary across multiple platforms.