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Chelsea Clinton Dispels Rumors: 'I'm Not Running for Public Office'

Chelsea Clinton
Chelsea Clinton / AP
March 29, 2017

After much speculation, Chelsea Clinton has quashed rumors that she plans on running for public office.

"I am not running for public office," Clinton told Variety during an interview published Wednesday.

The former first daughter spoke with the magazine for its annual Power of Women issue.

Clinton was asked about the rumors swirling around her potentially running for public office.

"I really am constantly surprised by the stories of me running for, fill in the blank—Congress, Senate, City Council, the presidency," Clinton said. "I really find this all rather hysterical, because I've been asked this question a lot throughout my life, and the answer has never changed."

Press reports in recent months indicated Clinton was mulling a political career that would keep her family involved in political life.

The New York Post reported in November that Clinton was being "groomed" to run for Congress, possibly for the seat held by New York Rep. Nita Lowey (D.). Other reports said Clinton would potentially run for New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand's (D.) seat if she decides to launch a presidential bid in 2020.

But the daughter of former President Bill Clinton and failed 2016 Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton put the issue to rest.

"I love my city councilwoman—she's awesome," Clinton told Variety. "I'm obsessed with Tish James, who is our public advocate in New York City. I support our mayor. I love my congresswoman. I love our senators. I clearly do not support the president and certainly hope that he is defeated in the next election, but I don't think I'm the best person for that job."

But while Clinton said she is not running for public office, she left the door open to reconsider her decision if something changes.

"If someone steps down or something changes, I'll then ask and answer those questions at that time," she said. "But right now, no, I'm not running for public office."

Clinton serves as vice chair of the Clinton Foundation and is being honored by Variety for her work with Alliance for a Healthier Generation, which was founded by the Clinton Foundation and American Heart Association.

Variety will honor Clinton, Jessica Chastain, Blake Lively, Gayle King, Audra McDonald, and Shari Redstone for their Power of Women New York issue during a luncheon next month.