Nationwide — Stephen A. Smith has shut down speculation about a 2028 presidential run, saying he won’t give up his high-paying media career. The ESPN star confirmed on Sean Hannity’s podcast that money is the main reason he’s stepping back.
On the debut episode of Hang Out with Sean Hannity, Smith, 58, made it clear he won’t pursue the Democratic nomination. “Let me put the presidential aspirations to bed. If I have to give up my money, it’s not happening,” he told Hannity.
Smith has become more vocal about politics in recent years. He hosts Straight Shooter with Stephen A. on SiriusXM’s POTUS channel, where he shares opinions on current events and government policies.
Earlier, he hinted at a possible run in a CBS Sunday Morning interview, saying he was “giving strong consideration” to joining the 2027 debate stage. Still, few expected him to follow through.
According to the New York Post, Smith earns around $21 million from ESPN, $12 million from SiriusXM, plus revenue from his podcast and YouTube channel, bringing his total annual earnings close to $40 million.
When asked about potential 2028 candidates, Smith listed Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as his top three picks. For now, he plans to stay focused on his media work.