Chicago Mayor Daley Will Not Seek Re-Election

Longtime Chicago Mayor Richard Daley announced Tuesday that he will not seek re-election, calling the move a "personal decision." 

Daley, who was elected in 1989 and has served six terms in office, dropped the news during a press conference to announce a new cabinet member. He said he had been thinking about it for several months and that "it just feels right." 

"In the end this is a personal decision, no more, no less," Daley said. 

The decision immediately raises speculation about whether White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel will make a move for the seat. Emanuel said in an interview in April that if Daley did not seek another term, he would like to run for the office. 

"That's always been an aspiration of mine," Emanuel said. 

The White House had no immediate comment. 

The mayor's wife Maggie has been battling breast cancer. She has made a few public appearances but does not talk publicly about her health. 

Daley, 68, did not take questions after making the announcement Tuesday. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.