Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is considering a Democratic presidential bid for 2028. During an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press, Emanuel expressed that America is prepared to elect its first Jewish president. He emphasized that voters should prioritize addressing the declining faith Americans have in their country over concerns about his religious beliefs.

“My faith is not your problem,” Emanuel stated. “The fact that Americans have lost faith in America, that’s our problem. And we should work on that because I’ve seen a generation of people with an emptiness who’ve lost faith in America because they think America lost faith with them. That’s our problem.”

Emanuel’s remarks were met with criticism. Elizabeth Barcohana, Chair of the California Republican Party’s Subcommittee for Jewish Engagement, dismissed his comments as pathetic in a statement to Fox News Digital.

Having held significant roles such as Chicago mayor, Democratic congressman, White House Chief of Staff under President Obama, and U.S. ambassador to Japan under President Biden, Emanuel’s political career fuels speculation about his potential 2028 Democratic nomination bid. He stated he would not change his religious identity for political gain and highlighted how his faith shaped his work in government.

“If my faith is a problem for you, don’t vote for me,” said Emanuel. “My faith led me to struggle and fight insurance companies that were denying kids healthcare. My faith led me to take on a failed education system where we were known as the worst city, and I walked out, and we were the best city on education.”

Emanuel linked restoring faith in America as a potential campaign mission, stressing that enhancing Americans’ belief in the country’s future would be his goal.

In another interview with Fox News Digital, which took place at the Texas Tribune Festival in Austin, Emanuel outlined qualities that separate him from other Democratic contenders. He identified candor, authenticity, and strength as pivotal attributes, underscoring his governmental experience would guide his immediate actions upon assuming office.

“I believe in the goodness and the grace of the American people – but my, I will not change my faith,” Emanuel reiterated his stance on religion.