Rahm Emanuel Weighs 2028 Presidential Run After New Hampshire, South Carolina Visits

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Rahm Emanuel, a former Obama White House chief of staff and mayor of Chicago, is traveling to South Carolina after spending the past week in New Hampshire, extending a multi-state tour that has fueled speculation about a potential 2028 presidential campaign. Emanuel is scheduled to make several stops in Spartanburg, including a conversation with NBC 'Today' co-anchor Craig Melvin at Wofford College.

Why it matters

As a longtime Obama ally, Emanuel's potential 2028 run would test the appetite for a more centrist Democratic candidate in a post-Trump political landscape. His visits to early primary states like New Hampshire and South Carolina suggest he is seriously weighing a White House bid, which could shake up the 2028 Democratic field.

The details

Emanuel confirmed in June 2025 that he was considering a run for president in 2028, telling Crain's Chicago Business that 'of course' it was fair to say he was weighing a bid because he was 'looking at the Democratic field' and 'what I have to contribute.' As chief of staff during the opening years of Barack Obama's presidency, Emanuel became closely associated with the administration's push for an ambitious governing agenda.

• Emanuel is scheduled to appear in Spartanburg, South Carolina on Wednesday evening.
• Emanuel spent the past week visiting New Hampshire, meeting with educators, students, lawmakers, business and community leaders.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Emanuel's South Carolina visit will be closely watched as he continues to test the waters for a potential 2028 presidential run. His performance and reception in early primary states like New Hampshire and South Carolina could signal whether he has a viable path to the Democratic nomination.