ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith suggested he could potentially become a Republican while heaping praise on Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), describing the longtime ally of President Donald Trump as “the real deal.”
Smith made the remarks during an interview with Donalds on his “Straight Shooter With Stephen A. Smith” podcast as the Florida congressman campaigns to become his state’s next governor.
“And I ain’t no damn Republican, but I mean if anybody could make me one, it would be him,” Smith said of Donalds. “I’m just going to keep it a buck. I’m just letting you know.”
Smith went on to praise Donalds’ performances in political debates and television appearances.
“He’s the real deal. Make no mistake about it,” Smith said. “I’ve seen him battling with Democrats. I’ve seen him battling with people on different shows, whatever. He ain’t backing up. He knows his stuff.”
Smith added that he speaks with Donalds regularly and has “nothing bad to say about him.”
The comments came during a wide-ranging conversation that touched on affordability, property taxes, outreach to black voters and other issues surrounding Donalds’ campaign for governor.
Smith pressed the congressman on whether his close association with Trump could create skepticism among black voters.
Donalds argued that voters should focus on politicians’ records and policies rather than simply trusting promises from either political party.
The congressman currently represents Florida’s 19th Congressional District and serves on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
He is seeking the Republican nomination to replace term-limited Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R).
Donalds entered the final days before Florida’s Aug. 18 Republican primary with a sizable polling advantage over his challengers, including Lt. Gov. Jay Collins and businessman James Fishback, per Trending Politics.
A July 31 Quantus Insights poll cited by Trending Politics News showed Donalds receiving 49.6% support among likely Republican primary voters.
Collins placed a distant second at 15.7%.
Donalds has also amassed a substantial campaign war chest, with his campaign reportedly raising more than $90 million during the election cycle.
Smith’s comments about potentially becoming a Republican come as the prominent sports commentator has increasingly discussed national politics and voiced frustration with Democrats.
Smith has previously described himself as a registered independent and expressed a combination of fiscally conservative and socially liberal views.
During his conversation with Donalds, Smith openly acknowledged his growing skepticism toward the Democratic Party.
“You heard me ask that question [What have Democrats done for you?]. I ain’t apologizing for it. I’m very skeptical about them,” Smith said.
“Make no mistake about it. I mean, I’ve lost interest in them in a lot of different ways,” he continued. “I’ll be the first to admit it right here on the public airwaves, but I also am trying to be fair-minded when I think about this.”
Donalds responded to Smith’s praise during an interview with Just the News one day later.
“He’s a good guy. We’ve gotten a chance to know each other over the last year or so, and that really means a lot,” Donalds said.
The Republican congressman argued that Smith’s remarks reflected broader concerns among voters who want government to deliver tangible results regardless of their political affiliation.
“I think for the future, it demonstrates what people are looking for,” Donalds said. “Republicans, independent voters, even Democrats — they just want this country to work.”
Donalds added that voters want “common sense,” safe communities, a secure border and an economy that allows Americans to earn a living and prepare for their futures.
