Stephen A. Smith may run for Senate in 2028

Stephen A. Smith told POLITICO’s Dasha Burns that he plans to announce a candidacy for the 2028 election and that doing so would result in him being taken off the air. The former ESPN analyst said, “The minute I announce that I’m running, I would be taken off the air.” He added that the decision was made after considering the potential impact on his career and the network’s policies.

Smith’s move comes amid a growing trend of media personalities stepping into politics. The 57‑year‑old has been a fixture on sports broadcasts for two decades, but his commentary has increasingly touched on national politics. In 2020 he called for a “political awakening” among fans, and in 2022 he criticized both parties for their handling of the pandemic. His outspoken style has earned him a large following, but it has also drawn criticism from some viewers who feel his political remarks cross the line for a sports show.

The interview revealed that Smith’s decision to run is still in the planning stages. He has not yet chosen a specific office, but he hinted at a possible Senate bid. He said he would need to “rethink the format of