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Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel eyes potential 2028 presidential run: report
Rahm Emanuel is considering a 2028 presidential run after serving as U.S. ambassador to Japan and weighing other political opportunities, per Politico.
CHICAGO - Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is reportedly considering a run for U.S. president, according to Politico.
Outgoing US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel gestures as he speaks during a press conference at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan (FCCJ) in Tokyo on January 10, 2025. Emanuel leaves office this month after nearly three years as head of the US … (Getty Images )
Will Emanuel Run For President?
What we know:
Emanuel returned to Chicago in January after serving as U.S. ambassador to Japan from 2022 to 2025.
Despite being out of electoral politics for a decade, Emanuel has hinted at a presidential bid.
Politico suggests he could also be in the mix for other roles, including DNC chair, Illinois governor in 2026, a potential US Senate seat, or even a return as Chicago mayor in 2027.
With Gov. JB Pritzker likely seeking a third term, Emanuel’s path to higher office may be limited—but some political insiders believe 2028 could be his moment.
"Presidential races are about timing, and if ever there was a period where Emanuel would be viable, it's now," the Politico article reads.
Dig deeper:
Emanuel has a deep political résumé, having worked on presidential campaigns, served as a senior White House aide under two administrations, spent three terms in Congress, and most recently represented the U.S. in Japan.
According to Politico, even if Emanuel doesn’t win the presidency, a campaign could position him for a high-ranking role, potentially in the State Department or Pentagon.
His biggest challenge? Overcoming perceptions that he's "outdated" or "stuck in the past."
What we don't know:
Emanuel has yet to make an official announcement about a presidential bid.
For now, it remains a possibility—and we’ll bring updates as the story develops.