Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi believes Rahm Emanuel is preparing to run for president in 2028, a move that has already stirred reactions across the political sphere.

Emanuel, a veteran political figure and former mayor of Chicago, is reportedly weighing a presidential campaign for 2028 as early conversations around the Democratic Party primary begin to surface, including those involving Pelosi, as the Daily Mail reports.

Emanuel, who recently finished his tenure as U.S. ambassador to Japan, has returned to the U.S. and begun re-engaging with domestic political circles.

At age 65, he has a long resume including roles as a member of Congress, White House chief of staff, and two-term mayor. In a recent interview, Pelosi, who has known Emanuel since his time in the Clinton administration, said, “I think he's going to run.”

Though he has not made any official announcement, Emanuel has not denied his interest. “I'm not done with public service and I'm hoping public service is not done with me,” he said in a public statement. He added that before committing, he wants to ensure he has answers to pressing political and national issues.

Those political ambitions became more visible after a feature in The Free Press, which prominently discussed Emanuel’s reentry into the U.S. political landscape. His recent public engagements include speaking at the Economic Club of Chicago, writing opinion columns for the Washington Post, and making appearances on CNN. Despite the attention, Emanuel has remained vague about his plans, telling Politico, “I've only been back two months, I have no idea what I'm doing.”

From Clinton White House to Biden diplomacy

Pelosi, who nicknamed him “Rahmbo” for his aggressive political style, had a front-row seat to Emanuel’s rise in Washington. Emanuel served under President Bill Clinton before becoming a U.S. representative for Illinois, where he completed three terms. In 2009, he assumed the role of chief of staff under President Barack Obama, helping manage the administration’s response to the Great Recession and advance the Affordable Care Act.

Following his White House tenure, Emanuel became Chicago’s mayor, serving two terms between 2011 and 2019. His time in office was marked by high-profile confrontations, including a strike by the Chicago Teachers Union and public outcry over his handling of the 2014 police shooting of Laquan McDonald. These events contributed to his declining approval, prompting him not to seek a third term.

In the Biden administration, Emanuel was appointed U.S. ambassador to Japan in 2021. He served in that diplomatic role until just before President Trump’s second inauguration in January 2025. Upon returning to the United States two months ago, he quickly reestablished a public presence, prompting speculation about his future ambitions.

Potential media strategy emerges

Since his return, Emanuel has spoken extensively in the media, though cautiously, about the future of the Democratic Party. One notable moment came during a podcast appearance where he criticized aspects of the party’s messaging, particularly its handling of transgender issues -- a stance that drew both attention and criticism from liberal circles online.

By saying, “Before I make a decision, I want to know that I have an answer to what I think ails our country, ails our politics, and ails the party,” Emanuel signaled that he hopes to frame his candidacy around core national challenges. While he remains publicly noncommittal, his consistent presence in political commentary signals he may be testing the waters for a run.

Online response to a potential Emanuel bid has been mixed, skewing negative in progressive spaces. Many cite his record as mayor and his centrist political style as reasons for concern. Nonetheless, his name recognition and wealth of experience could contribute to broader appeal in a crowded primary field.

Early polling and the road ahead

The Democratic Party's field for 2028 is still largely unformed, as the first primary is almost three years away. Vice President Kamala Harris, who lost the 2024 election to Donald Trump, currently leads early polls, attributed largely to her national name recognition. However, she has not confirmed her next political step and is considering a run for governor in California, with a decision expected by the end of the summer.

Emanuel’s path to the nomination, should he choose to run, may involve appealing to centrists within the Democratic Party while also addressing the concerns of its progressive base. Balancing these pressures has proved difficult for other candidates in recent election cycles.

Though speculation continues, Emanuel’s recent public comments indicate he is still in a decision-making phase. When asked recently how he was feeling, he deflected with humor, saying, “Well, I don't have prostate cancer,” noting that he's still scanning the political and cultural terrain before jumping into a campaign.

Speculation without commitment, strategy without clarity

From his recent activity, it is clear Emanuel is positioning himself to reenter the national conversation. Yet, without a formal campaign launch or policy platform, his intentions remain uncertain. His focus for now appears to be on visibility and issue assessment rather than overt campaigning.

Supporters may view Emanuel’s experience and dedication to public service as assets for a potential presidential run. Critics, however, remain skeptical of his more combative politics and past controversies.

As 2028 approaches, the Democratic Party field is expected to grow, and Emanuel’s decision will likely depend on how the internal dynamics of the party continue to shift after a bruising 2024 defeat. Until then, he remains a seasoned figure navigating the early shadows of a possible campaign trail.