Rahm Emanuel confronts 'awkward' prospect of facing a home-state rival in the 2028 presidential race

Rahm Emanuel admits the potential of taking on JB Pritzker in a 2028 presidential run is “going to be awkward.”

CHICAGO — Rahm Emanuel admits the potential of taking on JB Pritzker in a 2028 presidential run is “going to be awkward.”

Over decades in public life, Emanuel has had stints as White House chief of staff, congressman, cutthroat Democratic operative, overseas diplomat and more.

But around here, it’s a little more simple. Emanuel was a two-term Chicago mayor. Pritzker is a two-term Illinois governor. If the two end up as part of the 2028 Democratic presidential field, the longtime allies will inevitably bump up against each other — and like most political fights, it could get ugly.

“Look, JB and I are friends,” Emanuel said in an interview. The two recently had dinner, he noted. They text. When Emanuel came into town in his capacity as U.S. ambassador to Japan, they made a point of getting breakfast. “We’re going to continue to be friends, but if we’re running for the same position, it will be awkward.”

(Asked to expound on what would make it awkward, the famously unguarded Emanuel said, “It’s so f-----g — it’s self-evident, Jesus Christ.”)