At Least 2% of Voters Say They’d Vote for Stephen A. Smith in Latest 2028 Democratic Primary Poll

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith made a surprise appearance in a recent poll listing the potential Democratic presidential candidates in 2028.

Smith has continued to branch out into the world of political commentary in recent years. During a November appearance on The View, just days after President Donald Trump’s election victory, Smith even said he’d consider running for the country’s highest office if he had a legitimate chance of winning.

Apparently, there are some voters that actually do think he has a chance. According to a poll from McLaughlin & Associates, the First Take commentator received 2% of the vote. Former Vice President Kamala Harris was still the runaway favorite to win the Democratic primary at 33%, and former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg came in at a distant second at 9%.

Rounding out the list was California Gov. Gavin Newsom (7%), U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (6%), Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (3%), Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (3%), and Smith.

Smith isn’t the first surprise appearance on these lists. Shortly after Trump’s win, betting oddsmakers gave New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers a 3% of winning the presidency in 2028. Months before the 2024 NFL season, Rodgers briefly considered ending his NFL career to be Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s running mate in the election; but he ultimately declined the offer.