ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith said he’s officially considering a 2028 presidential run.

“Time to stop messing around. Life is great. Especially at ESPN/Disney. Hate the thought of being a politician. But sick of this mess. So I’m officially leaving all doors open,” Smith said.

Time to stop messing around. Life is great. Especially at ESPN/Disney. Hate the thought of being a politician. But sick of this mess.

So I’m officially leaving all doors open https://t.co/n6BmAOKjiv

— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) April 7, 2025

Per USA TODAY:

The bombastic sports journalist, who currently has a feud with NBA basketball player LeBron James, has been floated by many as a potential White House contender. The calls for Smith to run have come given the populist wave that returned Donald Trump to the office, and calls for a shakeup in the Democratic Party.

Smith told USA TODAY back in March he didn’t “give a d*** about the office” and preferred sparring with political leaders rather than being one.

But that hasn’t stopped speculation, particularly after a Jan. 27 poll by McLaughlin & Associates, a popular Republican pollster, showed Smith within striking distance of well-known Democratic contenders.

The poll asked 414 voters if the Democratic primary for president were held today who would they prefer and had expected names at the top such as former Vice President Kamala Harris who raked in 33% but also former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who pulled in 9% and 7% respectively.

“Practically every network has called. They’re apparently taking it very seriously, so I have no choice but to do so,” Smith said.

WATCH:

Stephen A. Smith on His Possible 2028 Presidential Run

“Practically every network has called. They're apparently taking it very seriously, so I have no choice but to do so.” pic.twitter.com/yuGm2W6b0i

— Chief Nerd (@TheChiefNerd) April 9, 2025

NewsNation reports:

Speaking at the NAB Show in Las Vegas, Smith told interviewer Mike McVay that while he initially had “no desire” to enter politics, recent developments have caused him to reconsider, Barrett Media reported.

“Over the last few weeks, I’ve had no choice but to get more serious about it,” Smith said. “I’ve been approached by people on Capitol Hill, governors, mayors and other elected officials who have legitimately and seriously asked me about running.”

Smith, who previously dismissed the idea despite some polls showing him as a potential top Democratic candidate, now says he’s keeping his options open.

“I’m no longer going to close that door,” he said. “If it comes to late 2026 or 2027, and I look at this country and think it’s an absolute mess, and there’s legitimate reason to believe I have a shot to win the presidency, I am not going to rule it out.”