Stephen A. Smith is expanding his SiriusXM role ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The host will lead three consecutive evenings of political discussions next week.
What We Know: Smith will host Straight Shooter with Stephen A. Smith live from SiriusXM’s Washington, D.C., studios next Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Each broadcast will air from 6-8 PM ET in front of a studio audience. Former New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu, a Republican, and former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, a Democrat, are expected to appear during the three-night stretch. CBS News correspondent Robert Costa and political strategist Frank Luntz will also join the discussions. The broadcasts expand Smith’s presence on SiriusXM as the country approaches the November midterm elections.
What’s at Stake: The midterms will put control of Congress in focus, creating an opportunity for Smith to examine the political landscape with guests from both parties. Sununu and McAuliffe bring experience in state government, while Costa and Luntz offer perspectives on national politics and voter sentiment. Additionally, the live audience format could bring more interaction to the conversations.
What Remains Unclear: SiriusXM hasn’t detailed which guests will appear on each night or whether additional political figures will join the broadcasts. The company also hasn’t outlined whether the expanded schedule will extend beyond the three-night event.
What It Means: Smith’s three-night run gives SiriusXM a dedicated platform for political conversations during a key stretch of the election cycle. By bringing together Republican and Democratic voices alongside political journalists and strategists, the broadcasts could offer listeners multiple perspectives on the races shaping control of Congress.
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