(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Former Mayor Rahm Emanuel isn't ruling out the possibility of trying to get his old job back.
Near the end of a nearly hour long interview before the Economic Club Emanuel was asked if he'd consider being mayor again.
“I'm not done with public service, and I hope public service is not done with me.”
That’s something the recent U.S. ambassador to Japan has said before, but to applause, he continued.
“I know it's hard for you to believe–or it's hard for me to believe–I've been back five weeks. So, I want to take some time to think about what I'm gonna do. And I've had a really, really fortunate life,” Emanuel said.
“Amy and I had a fortunate experience in Japan, but I'm going to take some time to think about it. But public services in my future. I just don't know where.”
He said it is not a no and not a yes either. He was asked the same question about running for governor of Illinois.
“It may be a different order, yes and no. But no and yes, OK… But here's I wanna say, I think JB's been a great governor. I'm, you know, if he seeks reelection, I'm gonna back him up.”
Emanuel stressed that Chicago is his home, and he and his wife Amy are staying. Prior to serving as ambassador to Japan under former President Joe Biden, Emanuel was in the House of Representative from 2003 to 2009. He went on to be the White House Chief of Staff under President Obama starting in 2009.
Emanuel served as Mayor of Chicago from 2011 to 2019.
During the wide running interview before the Economic Club, Emanuel discussed international issues and national politics.
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok | Bluesky