Rahm Emanuel, the former Chicago mayor and Obama White House chief of staff, has openly acknowledged the potentially ‘awkward’ situation of facing off against Illinois Governor JB Pritzker in the 2028 Democratic presidential primary. The two have a long history of collaboration, even recently sharing meals and texts. However, a potential presidential race between these longtime allies would undoubtedly turn competitive. Emanuel candidly admitted the inherent awkwardness of the situation, emphasizing the inevitable friction that would arise if both men pursued the same office.
Their past collaboration is noteworthy. During Emanuel’s time as mayor, he worked with Pritzker, then a private citizen, to bring the tech incubator 1871 to Chicago. Even during Emanuel’s tenure as U.S. Ambassador to Japan, their professional relationship continued, as evidenced by their joint efforts to advance quantum computing at the University of Chicago. Yet, their paths diverged significantly after Emanuel’s controversial mayoral term ended in 2019, following the fallout from the Laquan McDonald shooting.
Meanwhile, Pritzker, a billionaire, solidified his political power as Illinois governor, presenting himself as a key figure in the resistance against the Trump administration. His high-profile actions, including investments in battleground states, hinted at presidential aspirations. He’s built a formidable political organization within the state and gained control of the Illinois Democratic Party. However, unlike Emanuel, Pritzker has not explicitly announced a presidential bid, remaining focused on his current gubernatorial responsibilities while making strategic visits to early primary states.
Emanuel, now actively engaged in the national political conversation through podcasts and interviews, believes his extensive experience across various sectors—from Capitol Hill to the White House to the private sector—sets him apart. He highlights his history of confronting powerful industries, including insurance companies, banks, pharmaceutical firms, and the NRA, as evidence of his ability to effect change. He also stresses his experience navigating diverse environments, from the boardroom to crisis management, emphasizing his readiness for the presidency. This contrasts sharply with his criticisms of the Democratic Party’s focus on social issues over economic concerns, a point of divergence from Pritzker, who has actively embraced these cultural battles.
The potential conflict is further complicated by the timing. If Pritzker seeks re-election as governor in 2026, as widely expected, his presidential ambitions would be temporarily sidelined. This could give Emanuel a significant head start on the national campaign trail. Political strategists offer differing opinions on the likely outcome of such a clash, with some predicting Pritzker’s inherent advantages and others highlighting the potential challenges for Emanuel. Pritzker’s situation is comparable to Ron DeSantis’s 2024 presidential bid, which followed his gubernatorial re-election and ultimately ended in failure. Emanuel, however, appears focused on crafting his message, emphasizing his commitment to the middle class and their American Dream as the core of his potential presidential campaign.
Ultimately, the 2028 Democratic presidential primary promises to be a fascinating and potentially very awkward contest. The rivalry between these two Illinois powerhouses will undoubtedly be a key storyline to watch unfold.
