ESPN’s Smith Says He’s Considering 2028 Presidential Run
ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith is no longer laughing off talk of a White House bid. In a series of recent interviews, the outspoken commentator acknowledged he is seriously weighing a 2028 presidential run — signaling yet another example of celebrity figures eyeing national office in an increasingly unsettled political era.
“Strong Consideration” for 2028
During an interview with Robert Costa for CBS Sunday Morning, Smith admitted the possibility is real.
“I will confess to you, I’m giving strong consideration to being on that debate stage for 2027,” Smith said. “I’ve got this year coming up — 2026 — to think about it, to study, to know the issues.”
The 58-year-old host said conversations about a potential campaign have extended beyond online chatter.
“I’ve been approached by people on Capitol Hill … people who are elected officials in office … people have legitimately, seriously, asked me about it,” Smith said during the CBS interview.
Smith, who has built a lucrative and influential career at ESPN, made clear he does not relish the idea of becoming a career politician.
In a post on X earlier this month, he wrote, “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.”
Running “Against” Politicians
In a January interview with theGrio, Smith framed a potential candidacy not as an effort to join the political establishment, but to confront it.
“I’m dead serious about wanting to go up against those politicians, not be a politician, but wanting to go up against them on a debate stage to call out what they have done to our country, to harm us.”
He has not formally declared a party affiliation but has suggested he would likely enter the Democratic primary if he runs. Smith has previously described himself as fiscally conservative and socially liberal — a positioning that could complicate his path in a party increasingly dominated by progressive activists.
At one point, discussing possible 2028 contenders, Smith said confidently: “I think I can beat them all.”
For now, however, he is emphasizing preparation over proclamation, repeatedly stating that 2026 will be a year of study before any final decision.
Harris Reenters the Digital Arena
Meanwhile, former Vice President Kamala Harris is reemerging in the political sphere after her unsuccessful 2024 bid against President Donald J. Trump.
On Thursday, her 2024 campaign accounts were reactivated on X and TikTok as part of a youth-focused initiative ahead of the 2026 midterms.
The KamalaHQ account posted a cryptic teaser video showing failed login attempts using the passwords “waytooonline,” “thebabysitterisweird,” and “project2025wasreal,” before cutting to black with the word “Tomorrow.”
Harris has partnered with the progressive nonprofit People For the American Way to relaunch her digital presence under the name “Headquarters,” described as a “youth mobilization organization” and “next-generation campaigning” effort, according to a statement obtained by NewsNation, affiliated with The Hill.
The initiative aims to “mobilize pro-fairness, pro-democracy young people against far-right extremism.” Harris will serve as “chair emerita.”
“I have good news,” Harris said in a YouTube short posted Wednesday night. “So KamalaHQ is turning into Headquarters and it’s where you can go online to get basically the latest of what’s going on, and also to meet and revisit with some of our great, courageous leaders, be they elected leaders, community leaders, civic leaders, faith leaders, young leaders.”
“I’m really excited about it,” she continued.
A Shifting Political Landscape
With President Trump now serving his second term, both parties are maneuvering early for 2028 positioning. Smith’s openness to entering the Democratic primary reflects growing dissatisfaction among some voters with traditional political figures — and the continuing blurring of lines between media, celebrity, and public office.
At the same time, Harris’s renewed digital activism suggests the Democratic establishment is attempting to reenergize younger voters after 2024’s decisive defeat.
Whether Smith ultimately launches a campaign remains uncertain. But the fact that a sports commentator is seriously contemplating a presidential debate stage speaks volumes about the volatility and transformation of modern American politics.