Poll Finds Stephen A. Smith Draws 6% Independent Support

A YouGov survey of 1,417 American adults tested Stephen A. Smith in hypothetical 2028 matchups and vice presidential pairings.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Elections

Poll Finds Stephen A. Smith Draws 6% Independent Support

Live Poll

Would you vote for a TV sports commentator like Stephen A. Smith for president?

At least 6 percent of respondents said they would vote for Stephen A. Smith as an independent candidate in hypothetical 2028 matchups, according to a survey conducted Oct. 10-14 by YouGov with The Bulwark and Pablo Torre Finds Out. Smith also drew 6 and 7 percent support in vice presidential questions on tickets led by Mark Cuban and Mark Kelly.

Why it matters

The results suggest Smith has a measurable but limited base for a potential independent bid, with his favorability underwater among both Harris and Trump voters. The findings give a snapshot of how a sports and media figure is perceived by partisan groups ahead of the 2028 cycle.

The survey drew on 1,417 adults, with at least 6 percent backing Smith as an independent, up from 2 percent in a January 2025 poll. Results on how a Smith bid would affect the field beyond these hypothetical matchups were not reported.

The players

YouGov

YouGov is a British international research data and analytics group known for public opinion polling.

Stephen A. Smith

Stephen A. Smith is an American sports commentator and television personality who has publicly discussed a possible political run.

The details

Respondents were asked about hypothetical 2028 matchups featuring Gavin Newsom, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Mark Cuban, or Pete Buttigieg for Democrats against JD Vance for Republicans. Thirty percent of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents said Smith would be an unacceptable nominee, while 7 percent said they would be excited to have him on the ticket.

• January 2025: Earlier poll found 2 percent would vote for Smith.
• Oct. 10-14: YouGov surveyed 1,417 American adults.

Season Trajectory

Polling of nontraditional candidates such as Smith is often measured against Donald Trump's 2016 entry into the race from television, which drew attention to celebrity-driven outsider bids. This survey places Smith's early numbers within that pattern, though his support remains a small share of respondents.

For voters, the poll signals that a celebrity-driven independent bid is being tested in polling but has not been formally launched. Readers following the 2028 cycle can track whether support for Smith holds as candidates declare.

The takeaway

Early polling for nontraditional candidates often reflects name recognition more than sustained voter commitment. Watch whether later surveys show Smith's numbers holding as the field takes shape.