Rahm Emanuel, previously the mayor of Chicago, Illinois, and the first chief of staff under President Obama, is reportedly preparing for a possible presidential campaign in 2028, more than three years before the election.

At 65, Emanuel has recently concluded his tenure as the U.S. Ambassador to Japan and has quickly re-entered the U.S. political scene. He has been active in media engagements, writing opinion pieces, and offering critiques of both the current administration and his own political party.

On March 12, 2025, Emanuel indicated his interest in the presidency during an interview with Politico, stating his intention to run following President Donald Trump’s term. Emanuel, a seasoned Democratic politician, has embarked on a media circuit that includes joining CNN as a senior political and global affairs commentator, contributing opinion pieces to The Washington Post, and appearing on television programs such as Real Time with Bill Maher.

During his appearance on Maher’s show, Emanuel criticized fellow Democrats over what he perceives as misplaced priorities, especially in education and social issues. “In seventh grade, if I had known I could’ve said the word ‘they’ and gotten in the girls’ bathroom, I would’ve done it,” he told Maher. “We literally are a superpower, we’re facing off against China with 1.4 billion people, and two-thirds of our children can’t read eighth grade level.”

Education seems to be emerging as a central issue for Emanuel’s prospective campaign. Sources have noted his concern over the academic performance of American students compared to their peers in China. He has been vocal about making education reform a central component of his agenda, citing troubling statistics regarding literacy rates among American students.

According to political analysts, Emanuel is positioning himself as a centrist Democrat equipped with the experience to challenge Trumpism. His extensive career includes serving as White House Chief of Staff for President Obama from 2009 to 2010, being the mayor of Chicago from 2011 to 2019, and most recently, serving as the U.S. Ambassador to Japan under the Biden administration. Additionally, he represented Illinois’s 5th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2002 to 2008 and chaired the House Democratic Caucus.

Some Democratic insiders believe the timing may favor Emanuel. One source remarked, “Presidential races are about timing, and if ever there was a period where Emanuel would be viable, it’s now.”

Nevertheless, Emanuel faces significant challenges in launching a presidential campaign. His tenure as Chicago mayor was controversial, especially regarding his handling of the Laquan McDonald police shooting case, which resulted in a significant drop in his approval ratings and his decision not to seek reelection in 2019. Online critics have already pointed to his past roles as a NAFTA architect, a supporter of the Iraq War, a proponent of Wall Street deregulation, and as a mayor accused of covering up a police-related incident.

Concerns also arise that Emanuel might be perceived as a figure of the past due to his close association with former President Obama. Some question whether his centrist stance would appeal to a party base that has moved leftward in recent years. His previous clashes with unions and criticism of progressive priorities could present further challenges in gaining the support of key Democratic constituencies.

Analysts suggest Emanuel’s diplomatic experience in Asia could be advantageous in a campaign focused on U.S. global competition with China. His time as ambassador provided him with firsthand insights into international relations in a strategically important region.

Should the 2028 Democratic primary unfold as anticipated, Emanuel may face a competitive field. Former Vice President Kamala Harris is reportedly considering a run, although she is also exploring a gubernatorial bid in California in 2026. Other potential candidates include Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who has ruled out a Senate run in 2026, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.

Emanuel’s path to the presidency is not his only possible trajectory. Reports indicate he may be considered for other prominent roles, such as DNC chair, Illinois governor in 2026, a potential U.S. Senate seat, or even a return as Chicago mayor in 2027. When queried about another mayoral campaign, Emanuel did not dismiss the idea, stating only that he is “not done with public service.”

Political observers note that even if Emanuel’s presidential campaign does not succeed, it might still position him for significant roles in a future Democratic administration. Currently, he continues to maintain a public presence through media appearances and statements, keeping his political options open as he navigates life after his ambassadorial role.