Rahm Emanuel

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Rahm Emanuel
Image of Rahm Emanuel
Prior offices
U.S. House Illinois District 5
Successor: Mike Quigley
Predecessor: Rod Blagojevich

Mayor of Chicago
Successor: Lori Lightfoot

Education

Bachelor's

Sarah Lawrence College

Graduate

Northwestern University

Personal
Religion
Jewish
Contact

Rahm Emanuel (b. November 29, 1959) was the mayor of Chicago, Illinois from 2011 to 2019. He was elected on February 22, 2011, and was sworn into office on May 16, 2011.[1]

President Joe Biden (D) appointed Emanuel as U.S. ambassador to Japan on August 20, 2021.[2]

On September 4, 2018, Emanuel announced he would not seek a third term as mayor in 2019.[3] He left office on May 20, 2019, when Lori Lightfoot was sworn in as his successor.

Before he was elected mayor, Emanuel served as the White House chief of staff under President Barack Obama (D). Previously, Emanuel represented Illinois' 5th Congressional District as a Democrat in the United States House of Representatives from 2003 to 2009. He was elected to serve in the 111th United States Congress as well, but he declined his seat in order to serve as chief of staff.

From 1993 to 1998, Emanuel worked under President Bill Clinton (D), eventually serving as senior advisor to the president for policy and strategy.[1][4][5]

Biography

Emanuel was born in Chicago, Illinois. He earned his B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York, in 1981 and his M.A. from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, in 1985.[5]

Career

Below is an abbreviated outline of Emanuel's academic, professional, and political career:[5][6][7]

Presidential preference

2016 presidential endorsement

✓ Emanuel endorsed Hillary Clinton for the Democratic primary in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.[8]

See also: Endorsements for Hillary Clinton

Campaign themes

2015

On his 2015 re-election website, Emanuel highlighted the following issues:[9]

Arts and culture

  • Excerpt: “Arts and culture are not just critical components of a world-class city, they are also major community economic drivers. During Rahm’s first term, the City has invested millions in our local arts sector while expanding cultural offerings in our neighborhoods.”

Economic development

  • Excerpt: “Under Rahm’s leadership, Chicago has made great strides in recovering from the Great Recession — adding hundreds of businesses and tens of thousands of new jobs. But Rahm knows that Chicago’s future will not be secure until those jobs and economic opportunities reach into every neighborhood across our city. That’s why he’s focused on helping neighborhood businesses to start and expand, and why he’s working hard to equip Chicago’s young people with the knowledge and skills to compete for the good-paying jobs of today and tomorrow.”

Education

  • Excerpt: “Rahm believes that every child in Chicago, no matter their circumstances or where they live, deserves a world-class education from cradle to career. Working with parents, teachers, principals and community leaders across Chicago, the Chicago Public Schools are making steady progress – although there is much work left to do.”

Energy and sustainability

  • Excerpt: “Rahm believes that sustainability and economic growth go hand in hand. By increasing the efficiency of buildings and transportation, Chicago saves money, creates jobs, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. And by cracking down on companies that emit harmful emissions in our neighborhoods, the City improves quality of life and economic competitiveness.”

Immigration

  • Excerpt: “Throughout its history, Chicago has benefited from the immeasurable economic contributions of its immigrant populations, and from the rich fabric of distinct and vibrant neighborhoods they helped to create. As we build a 21st century economy, we must work together to attract and retain immigrants by helping them to succeed and grow in a safe and welcoming city.”

Infrastructure

  • Excerpt: “To compete for the jobs and economic opportunities of the future, Chicago needs a strong foundation — the public works on which our future depends. That’s why Rahm has invested billions of dollars in new streets and water and sewer lines in neighborhoods across Chicago. He’s rebuilding much of the CTA, including the completed Red Line South, and restoring the stations that serve as community anchors and business centers across Chicago. And he’s working hard to extend fast Internet service to all neighborhoods in Chicago — giving them the tools they need to compete and succeed.”

Parks

  • Excerpt: “Rahm believes that every child and family in Chicago should have access to safe and healthy places to play. That’s why he has embarked on an ambitious, four-year program to rebuild every single playground in the city — with 175 playgrounds rebuilt so far. Despite the city’s difficult financial situation, Rahm has made it a priority to invest in parks, trees and green-space. And he’s greatly expanded the Arts in the Parks program, so that families across the city can take advantage of the world-class music, theater and dance that Chicago has to offer — for free.”

Public safety

  • Excerpt: “Rahm believes that every child and family in Chicago, no matter where they live, deserves a basic level of safety and security. Unfortunately, that is not the case today in a number of Chicago neighborhoods, and Rahm is working tirelessly to find solutions to the challenges of gang- and gun-violence. While murders, shootings and overall crime are at record lows not seen since the 1960’s, he knows there is much more work to do to ensure every community feels the same sense of security.”

City Hall

  • Excerpt: “From day one Rahm has worked to restore faith in government by changing the culture in City Hall. Rahm’s first act in office was signing a series of executive orders to strengthen ethics rules and close the revolving door between lobbying and government. Since then, Rahm worked with the City Council to rewrite the ethics code, established an independent budget office to serve as a watchdog for taxpayer dollars, brought an end to the 45-years of Federal oversight of the City’s hiring practices, and is expanding the authority of the City’s Inspector General.”

Elections

2019

See also: Mayoral election in Chicago, Illinois (2019)

Rahm Emanuel did not file to run for re-election.

2015

See also: Chicago, Illinois municipal elections, 2015

The city of Chicago, Illinois, held elections for mayor on February 24, 2015. A runoff took place on April 7, 2015. The filing deadline for candidates who wished to run in this election was November 24, 2014.[10] In the general election for mayor, incumbent Rahm Emanuel and challenger Jesus "Chuy" Garcia advanced past Willie Wilson, Robert W. "Bob" Fioretti and William "Dock" Walls, III.[11] Emanuel defeated Garcia in the runoff election on April 7, 2015.[12] Amara Enyia, Frederick Collins and Gerald Sconyers withdrew from the race.[13] Fenton C. Patterson and Robert Shaw were removed from the ballot.[14][15]

Mayor of Chicago, Runoff Election, 2015
Candidate Vote % Votes
Green check mark transparent.pngRahm Emanuel Incumbent 56.2% 332,171
Jesus "Chuy" Garcia 43.8% 258,562
Total Votes 590,733
Source: Chicago Board of Election Commissioners, "Official runoff election results," accessed July 9, 2015


Mayor of Chicago, General Election, 2015
Candidate Vote % Votes
Green check mark transparent.pngRahm Emanuel Incumbent 45.6% 218,217
Green check mark transparent.pngJesus "Chuy" Garcia 33.5% 160,414
Willie Wilson 10.7% 50,960
Robert W. "Bob" Fioretti 7.4% 35,363
William "Dock" Walls, III 2.8% 13,250
Total Votes 478,204
Source: Chicago Board of Election Commissioners, "Official general election results," accessed July 9, 2015

2011

Emanuel was elected as mayor of Chicago on February 22, 2011.[16][17]

Mayor of Chicago, General Election, 2011
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Nonpartisan Green check mark transparent.pngRahm Emanuel Incumbent 55.3% 326,331
     Nonpartisan Gery Chico 23.9% 141,228
     Nonpartisan Miguel Del Valle 9.3% 54,689
     Nonpartisan Carol Moseley Braun 9% 53,062
     Nonpartisan Patricia Van Pelt-Watkins 1.6% 9,704
     Nonpartisan Dock Walls 0.9% 5,343
Total Votes 590,357

2008

On November 4, 2008, Rahm Emanuel won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Tom Hanson (R) and Alan Augustson (G) in the general election.[18]

U.S. House, Illinois District 5 General Election, 2008
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngRahm Emanuel incumbent 73.9% 170,728
     Republican Tom Hanson 22% 50,881
     Green Alan Augustson 4% 9,283
Total Votes 230,892


2006

On November 7, 2006, Rahm Emanuel won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Kevin Edward White (R) in the general election.[19]

U.S. House, Illinois District 5 General Election, 2006
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngRahm Emanuel incumbent 78% 114,319
     Republican Kevin Edward White 22% 32,250
     N/A Write-in 0% 12
Total Votes 146,581


2004

On November 2, 2004, Rahm Emanuel won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Bruce Best (R) in the general election.[20]

U.S. House, Illinois District 5 General Election, 2004
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngRahm Emanuel incumbent 76.2% 158,400
     Republican Bruce Best 23.8% 49,530
Total Votes 207,930


2002

On November 5, 2002, Rahm Emanuel won election to the United States House. He defeated Mark A. Augusti (R) and Maggie Kohls (L) in the general election.[21]

U.S. House, Illinois District 5 General Election, 2002
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngRahm Emanuel 66.8% 106,514
     Republican Mark A. Augusti 28.9% 46,008
     Libertarian Maggie Kohls 4.3% 6,913
Total Votes 159,435


Campaign donor history

2008

Emanuel won re-election to the United States House of Representatives in 2008. During that election cycle, his campaign committee raised a total of $2,878,252 and spent a total of $2,105,109.[22] His top five contributors for this election are listed below.

2006

Emanuel won re-election to the United States House of Representatives in 2006. During that election cycle, his campaign committee raised a total of $1,287,804 and spent a total of $1,380,457.[22]

2004

Emanuel won re-election to the United States House of Representatives in 2004. During that election cycle, his campaign committee raised a total of $1,597,260 and spent a total of $689,463.[22]

2002

Emanuel was first elected to the United States House of Representatives in 2002. During that election cycle, his campaign committee raised a total of $3,149,644 and spent a total of $2,971,514. His opponent Mark A. Augusti raised a total of $197,678 and spent a total of $215,731.[22]

Personal

Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Emanuel and his wife, Amy Rule, have three children: Zach, Ilana and Leah.[1]

Noteworthy events

Laquan McDonald shooting

See also: Mayor Rahm Emanuel faces criticism over delayed release of police shooting video (2015)

Following the November 2015 release of year-old video footage of the police shooting of a teenager, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel came under heavy public and political scrutiny. A week later, on December 1, 2015, Emanuel fired the city's police chief and faced calls for his own resignation.[23] Anita Alvarez, the Cook County state's attorney, also came under criticism for delaying charges against the officer until shortly before the video's release.[24]

Recent news

The link below is to the most recent stories in a Google news search for "Rahm + Emanuel + Chicago"

All stories may not be relevant due to the nature of the search engine.

See also

External links

Footnotes

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 City of Chicago, "About the Mayor," accessed August 19, 2013
  2. Forbes, "Rahm Emanuel Nominated As Ambassador To Japan," August 20, 2021
  3. Chicago Tribune, "Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel says he won't run for re-election next year," September 4, 2018
  4. United States House of Representatives History, Art and Archives, "Rahm Emanuel," accessed August 19, 2013
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, "Emanuel, Rahm," accessed August 19, 2013
  6. WP Politics, "Rahm Emanuel (D)," accessed August 20, 2013
  7. Vote Smart, "Rahm Emanuel's Biography," accessed August 20, 2013
  8. NBC Chicago, "Rahm Emanuel Endorses Hillary Clinton for President," accessed April 11, 2016
  9. ChicagoTogether.com, “Issues,” accessed March 3, 2015
  10. Chicago Board of Election Commissioners, "2015 Election Calendar," accessed August 21, 2014
  11. Ace of Spades, "Unofficial 2015 Chicago Election Results," accessed February 24, 2015
  12. Ace of Spades HQ Decision Desk, "Unofficial Election Results," accessed April 7, 2015
  13. Chicago Sun Times, "Enyia dropping out of mayoral race, endorsing Fioretti," December 10, 2014
  14. NBC Chicago, "Patterson Bumped From Mayoral Ballot," December 18, 2014
  15. Chicago Business, "Dozens quit or knocked off ballot in City Hall races," December 30, 2014
  16. Our Campaigns, "Chicago Mayor," accessed August 19, 2013
  17. Chicago Elections, "2011 Mayoral Results," accessed December 6, 2013
  18. U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 4, 2008," accessed March 28, 2013
  19. U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 7, 2006," accessed March 28, 2013
  20. U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 2004," accessed March 28, 2013
  21. U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 5, 2002," accessed March 28, 2013
  22. 22.0 22.1 22.2 22.3 OpenSecrets, "Rahm Emanuel Career Profile," accessed August 19, 2013
  23. Politico, "Rahm Emanuel: I have no plans to resign," December 2, 2015
  24. Chicago Tribune, "If police shooting video had been released sooner, would Emanuel be mayor?" November 26, 2015
Political offices
Preceded by
Richard M. Daley
Mayor of Chicago
2011–2019
Succeeded by
Lori Lightfoot