(NewsNation) — ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith has reversed his previous stance and is now open to the possibility of running for president in 2028.
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, Barret 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.
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“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.”
The popular sports commentator believes his lack of political record would be an advantage, allowing him to “eat other candidates alive” based on their existing records, per Barret Media.
He mentioned he would potentially face prominent Democrats like Governors Wes Moore (Maryland), Josh Shapiro (Pennsylvania) and Gavin Newsom (California) for the nomination.
Smith said he wouldn’t enter the race unless he genuinely believed he could win and make meaningful changes for Americans, per Barret Media.
