Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith is taking on a new role in Democratic politics as the party searches for its identity after its loss to President Trump in November.

Smith expressed interest in politics well before Election Day but has been particularly critical of the party following Trump’s victory, calling on it to refocus on voters' top issues during the past cycle, including inflation and immigration.

His political involvement has even stirred talk of him as a possible 2028 presidential candidate. While he's dismissed that idea, it shows just how much attention the political outsider is receiving for his vision of where the party should go.

“It's great to have someone from outside of politics making compelling arguments for the Democratic Party,” said Democratic strategist Jared Leopold. “I think we've seen that a lot of people, that the majority of swing voters treat politics not as the entree but as a side course, and sports are definitely an entry point.”

Smith has worn several hats throughout his career, hosting a radio show and co-hosting “First Take” on ESPN. But he’s also explored outside sports commentating and reporting, dabbling in acting and commenting on national political news.

He’s been open about discussing politics for years, but he became a rising voice throughout the 2024 cycle with much of his political commentary on his podcast, “The Stephen A. Smith Show,” and appearances on news talk shows.

A registered independent, Smith has said he has some liberal and conservative-leaning views but identifies as moderately to the left overall. He supported Vice President Harris in the 2024 election and said he would consider voting for a Republican but “never” Trump.

He predicted in September that Harris would win and sparred with Fox........

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