Chicago mayoral announcement

(CNN) – Rahm Emanuel will face one less challenger in his bid to become Chicago's next mayor.

Two days after reports that former Illinois Democratic Senate candidate Alexi Giannoulias was asked to consider challenging Emanuel, his spokesman set the record straight.

"To put all rumors to rest, before they get out of hand, Alexi is not running for mayor," campaign spokesman Kathleen Strand said in a statement. "He didn't get into public service to just run for office."

The announcement comes after Giannoulias, the Illinois state treasurer, lost his Senate bid to Rep. Mark Kirk in the November elections, despite campaign stops by President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama.

Emanuel left his position as White House chief of staff to launch a bid for Chicago mayor after the current mayor, Richard Daley, announced his retirement earlier this year.

– CNN Political Coverage Manager Steve Brusk contributed to this report