Rahm Emanuel has ramped up speculation in recent weeks that he’s plotting a 2028 presidential run, adding a prominent name in Democratic circles to an already crowded list of possible candidates.

The former Chicago mayor has been making the media rounds over the past month and hasn’t ruled out several options for his political future, including another run for mayor or possibly seeking governor of Illinois. He has also become increasingly vocal about the Democratic Party’s direction after its loss in November.

Emanuel is a divisive figure in the party and would likely face a crowded primary field with other big names, but allies say he would bring a track record of knowing how to win tough races.

“Nobody brings more energy and more fight to a moment when we desperately need both,” said one Democratic campaign strategist. “He immediately brings significant advantages to the table.”

Emanuel has been a staple in Democratic politics for decades, first serving as an adviser in former President Clinton's administration before being elected to the House in 2002. He served for three terms before becoming former President Obama’s first chief of staff in the White House.

He stepped away from that role in 2010 to serve two terms as mayor of Chicago, declining to seek a third term amid poor approval ratings. He returned to public service in 2022, serving as ambassador to Japan for the final three years of the Biden administration.

Emanuel has given strong indications he still harbors political ambitions.

“I’m not done with public service, and I hope public service isn’t done with me,” he told Semafor earlier this month, similar to other statements he has made in recent months when asked about possible future ambitions.

He has also increasingly become a fixture as a political analyst, regularly appearing on podcasts and talk shows and taking a gig as a CNN commentator. Meanwhile, he has been a

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