Stephen A. Smith is once again teasing a potential career in politics.
Smith once again promoted a possible run for president in 2028 in an appearance at the NAB Show in Las Vegas. While the ESPN personality said he had “no desire” to go into politics, he claimed he has been repeatedly approached by elected officials asking him to consider it, and that he will consider a run.
“Over the last few weeks, I’ve had no choice but to get more serious about it,” Smith claimed, via Barrett Media. “I’ve been approached by people on Capitol Hill. I’ve been approached by people who are elected officials in office, whether it’s governors or mayors or what have you. People have legitimately, seriously, asked me about it. I have no desire to be a politician, but I’ve decided that I’m no longer going to close that door. I’m gonna keep my options open. I’m going to entertain the possibility. If it comes in late 2026, 2027, where I look at this country and think it’s an absolute mess and there’s legitimate reason to believe … that I indeed have a legitimate shot to win the presidency of the United States. I am not going to rule it out.”
Notably, Smith promoted the article containing his comments on X, writing that he is “sick of this mess” and “officially leaving all doors open.”
Time to stop messing around. Life is great. Especially at ESPN/Disney. Hate the thought of being a politician. But sick of this mess.
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) April 7, 2025
So I’m officially leaving all doors open https://t.co/n6BmAOKjiv
Smith has previously teased a presidential run, though he never seemed particularly serious about it. This may still be a publicity stunt, but it is one he is now promoting himself. Notably, his new contract at ESPN gives him more freedom to appear on other platforms to discuss topics like politics, which could enable him to keep his name in the news on the topic.
Smith is no stranger to generating publicity for himself. Recently, he has been making headlines for his feud with LeBron James, though that feud appears rather one-sided at this point.
