Former Chicago Mayor Eyeing Presidential Run in 2028

Following a stint as an Ambassador in the Biden administration, a political lifer and former Mayor of Chicago is reportedly eyeing the Oval Office as a next potential destination come 2028.

The political news and outrage machine persists on every day and night, seemingly without end. It's also never too early for some politicians to start mulling over their options for a presidential run, and even if 2028 seems like a long way off, the Democratic Party needs to get their act together if they hope to hold the top office following President Donald Trump's second term.

Get our free mobile app

Per Politico, former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is reportedly hinting at a presidential bid in 2028. Most recently, Emanuel served as the United States Ambassador to Japan from 2022 to 2025, under former President Joe Biden.

During his time as ambassador, Emanuel gained popularity with the Japanese public. He favored the country's rail transport system, and spoke glowingly about it on social media. However, he did see some criticism from Japanese politicians due to his support for LGBTQIA and transgender individuals during a time when Japan was debating anti-discrimination bills.

While Emanuel has technically been out of the electoral politics game for 10 years, Politico suggests he could be in the mix for a presidential run, as well as DNC chair, Illinois governor in 2026, or even a return as Chicago mayor in 2027.

Emanuel served as Mayor of Chicago from 2011 to 2019, and while he initially planned for a third term, he dropped out. In 2019, more than half of Chicagoans supported his resignation, following a litany of scandals.

His political résumé is an extensive one. Prior to his mayoral tenure and subsequent work in Japan, Emanuel served as former President Barack Obama's White House Chief of Staff. He too served in the Clinton administration as an assistant to the president for political affairs as well as a Senior Advisor to the President for policy and strategy.

Per Politico, even if Emanuel fails to win the presidency, a high-profile campaign could put him in position for a role in the next administration. Politico also adds that probably the biggest hurdle in the 65-year-old's potential bid is the perception that he's "outdated" and/or "stuck in the past."

If you thought the 2024 presidential election was loud, the noise for 2028 has already begun. Read more about Rahm Emanuel potentially running for president on Politico's website.