Stephen A. Smith For Office? ESPN Wants To A Political Voice, Not Elected Official

Stephen A. Smith is one of the most popular sports hosts on television, but over the last few years, the First Take panelist has become an outspoken political commentator. Does Smith want a career in politics, and if so, does he have any interest in running for office?

Stephen A. Smith Explains Political Aspirations To Jon Stewart

Smith recently appeared on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and discussed the New York Knicks, Donald Trump, and his newfound interest in politics.

While Stewart did not ask Smith if he wanted to run for office, the ESPN employee spoke about what he wants his role in politics to be moving forward.

“People think I’m interested in being an elected official. I have no desire to be that. I’d have to give up a lot of money to do that,” Smith said. “The way I look at it is that the money that I have earned working my ass off all of these years, now I would have to curry favor, which means I would be owned, and I ain’t having that. So I’m not interested in that at all.”

What does that entail for Smith? He wants to be a “major player” as a voice and a conduit for change, similar to Stewart’s role the past 30 years.

“You wanna be a hell-raiser. You wanna make sure you make people uncomfortable and that they’re not gonna get away with the B.S. that they’ve been getting away with,” Smith said. “Because I believe white, Black, and everything in between, society as a whole, by and large, are a lot of great God-fearing individuals that can get along just fine. I think the politicians in this country have served to divide us and paint us against one another for their own selfish deeds.

“And I think that they have contributed to the demise of this country. So I don’t mind calling them out at all. I don’t give a damn who it is. It could be a councilman, it could be a mayor, it could be a governor, it could be a senator or a representative, the president himself. I could care less. Whoever needs to go needs to go.”

Stephen A. Smith Signs New Contract With ESPN And SiriusXM

https://t.co/ipU7jGexuo

— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) June 4, 2025

The aforementioned “money” that Smith would have to give up stems from two new deals he signed this year.

Smith and ESPN agreed to terms on a five-year contract extension worth at least $100 million, making him one of the five highest-paid broadcasters at the company.

Smith will continue to appear on First Take, but his appearances on other shows, including NBA Countdown, will be scaled back.

Last week, Smith signed a deal with SiriusXM to develop two radio shows. The first show will be a daily sports show on Mad Dog Radio.

The second show will be a weekly program revolving around politics, pop culture, and social commentary.

Both shows will premiere this fall.