Rahm Emanuel, former Chicago mayor and White House chief of staff to President Barack Obama, has emerged as a behind-the-scenes force in the Democratic push to win back Congress. At a private dinner at Centrolina in Washington this month, Emanuel offered guidance to top Democratic House recruits for the final fall sprint, noting the current political environment was "eerily similar" to 2006. As he explores a potential run for president in 2028, Emanuel has made calls to recruit candidates, traveled for events in swing districts, and offered private guidance on campaign ads and messaging. He has rolled out alliterative slogans about President Trump and speaks regularly with Representative Hakeem Jeffries of New York, the minority leader, serving as an informal sounding board for the potential next speaker.

Emanuel, 66, has a long and varied résumé that includes service in the Clinton White House, as a key congressional lieutenant for Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and as Chicago mayor. On Tuesday, he is set to host a fund-raiser in Chicago for five women in the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s "Red to Blue" program. While some progressives have cast doubt on his insights, Emanuel said he had a history of winning and hoped to raise $60,000 to $75,000 for each candidate this election cycle.