This article may include commentary that reflects the author’s opinion.
Stephen A. Smith, a host on ESPN, is no longer brushing aside questions about a possible presidential run. In recent interviews, the longtime sports commentator said he is seriously weighing the idea of launching a campaign in 2028.
Smith made the comments during a conversation with Robert Costa of CBS News for CBS Sunday Morning, according to a report from NJ.com.
He said that although he enjoys his work in sports media, the current political climate has led him to reconsider his long-term plans.
“I’ll admit it — I’m giving serious thought to being on that debate stage in 2027,” Smith said. “I’ve got the coming year — 2026 — to reflect, study, and become more informed on the issues.”
The 58-year-old added that the idea of a campaign has come up in conversations with people beyond social media speculation.
“I’ve been approached by individuals on Capitol Hill … elected officials … people have genuinely and seriously asked me about it,” Smith said during the CBS interview.
Smith has emphasized that he does not view himself as a conventional politician.
Earlier this month, he posted on X, writing: “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.”
He has framed the possibility of running as a way to challenge the political establishment rather than join it.
In a January interview with theGrio, Smith said, “I’m dead serious about wanting to go up against those politicians — not to become one — but to face them on a debate stage and call out what they’ve done to our country.”
Smith has not formally aligned himself with any political party.
However, he has indicated that if he decides to run, he would likely compete in the Democratic primary.
He has previously described his political views as fiscally conservative and socially liberal.
Smith has also voiced confidence about how he might perform in a national race.
During a previous television appearance, he said, “I think I can beat them all,” when discussing potential candidates for 2028.
For now, Smith says his focus is on preparation rather than making an official announcement.
He has repeatedly described 2026 as a year to research issues and evaluate whether entering the race makes sense.
“I’ve got this year coming up — 2026 — to think about it, to study, to know the issues,” he reiterated in the CBS interview.
Smith has not filed any official paperwork or formally declared a candidacy, but he is no longer dismissing the possibility. Whether he ultimately launches a campaign remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, social media accounts connected to Kamala Harris’s 2024 presidential campaign were reactivated Thursday on platforms including X and TikTok as part of a new effort aimed at engaging younger voters ahead of upcoming midterm elections.
The KamalaHQ account on X posted a cryptic video Wednesday showing several failed login attempts using passwords such as “waytooonline,” “thebabysitterisweird,” and “project2025wasreal.”
Before the screen fades to black, the word “headquarters” appears, followed by the message “Tomorrow.”
Harris has partnered with the progressive nonprofit People For the American Way to relaunch her social media presence under the name “Headquarters.” According to a statement obtained by NewsNation, an affiliate network of The Hill, the project is being described as a “youth mobilization organization” and a “next-generation campaigning” initiative.
The initiative aims to “mobilize pro-fairness, pro-democracy young people against far-right extremism.” Harris, who lost her 2024 presidential bid against Donald Trump, will serve as the group’s “chair emerita.”
“I have good news,” Harris said in a short video posted late Wednesday on YouTube. “KamalaHQ is turning into Headquarters. It’s a place online where you can get updates on what’s happening and reconnect with some of our courageous leaders — whether they’re elected officials, community leaders, civic leaders, faith leaders, or young leaders.”
“I’m really excited about it,” she added.
