Rahm Emanuel has confirmed he’s considering a 2028 Democratic presidential run. The former Chicago mayor, U.S. ambassador to Japan, and Obama White House chief of staff said he’s evaluating the field and what he can offer but hasn’t made a decision. Emanuel, who also served under Bill Clinton and led Democrats to reclaim the House in 2006, has recently criticized his party after its 2024 losses.
Pete Buttigieg, former Secretary of Transportation, is also seen as a potential 2028 contender. He recently ruled out bids for Michigan’s open Senate and gubernatorial races, instead focusing on promoting Democratic values and engaging voters through both traditional and new media. Though not officially declaring his candidacy, Buttigieg continues to raise his national profile. Ezra Klein has called him the Democrats’ strongest communicator.
With both Emanuel and Buttigieg weighing their futures, the 2028 Democratic field is beginning to take shape as the party looks to rebuild after recent setbacks.
