Stephen A. Smith, the outspoken ESPN personality, has officially put to rest speculation about a potential run for the White House in 2028. After months of playfully entertaining the idea, Smith stated definitively that a presidential bid is off the table, citing a rather straightforward reason: he’s not willing to give up his lucrative income. The announcement came during a conversation with Fox News host Sean Hannity on the debut episode of Hannity’s new podcast, “Hang Out with Sean Hannity.”
The shift comes after Smith recently indicated he hadn’t entirely ruled out a 2028 bid. However, during the interview, Smith was blunt. “Let me put the presidential aspirations to bed,” he said. “If I have to give up my money, it’s not happening!” This declaration underscores the financial realities influencing his decision, particularly given his current earnings.
“I’m not giving up my money.”Stephen A. Smith shuts down talk of a 2028 presidential run.Full episode drops tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/3fgI4Q0eho
— Sean Hannity 🇺🇸 (@seanhannity) March 9, 2026
Smith’s financial commitment is substantial. He currently earns an estimated $21 million annually from ESPN, where he is the face of “First Take,” and another $12 million from SiriusXM, according to a September 2025 report from The Athletic. This $100 million, five-year deal, finalized in October 2024, allows him to continue ventures into politics and other areas beyond sports, but apparently not at the cost of his income.
The possibility of a Smith presidential run gained traction as Donald Trump began a second term in early 2025. Smith himself acknowledged considering the possibility, stating in a May 2025 interview with Deadline, “My life is pretty damn good… Why would I ruin it by being a politician? So that’s my initial response. But, you never know what God has planned for you, so you just leave your options open, and that’s what I’m doing.”
He further fueled speculation during an August 2025 appearance on HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher,” telling viewers he hadn’t “ruled it out, because I’m disgusted with what I’m seeing on the left.” Smith has described himself as a fiscal conservative and social liberal, and indicated he would run as a Democrat if he entered the race.
With Smith now firmly stating he won’t be a contender, attention shifts back to other potential Democratic candidates. California Governor Gavin Newsom is widely considered a frontrunner for the 2028 nomination, and may view Smith’s decision as a positive development.
During the conversation with Hannity, Smith also revealed three figures he would support for the presidency, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He praised Rubio as “an adult in the room” and affirmed his qualifications for the job, stating he would choose Rubio over many prominent Democrats.
As Smith refocuses on his media career, which includes his role as a commentator, host, and actor, the 2028 presidential landscape continues to take shape. The full interview with Sean Hannity will be released Tuesday on YouTube, offering further insight into Smith’s decision and his political views.
The coming months will undoubtedly see further developments in the field of potential candidates. For now, Stephen A. Smith’s decision closes one chapter in the early speculation surrounding the 2028 election, and allows him to continue cashing in on his considerable media success.
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