Rahm Emanuel
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]
- 2011-2019: Mayor of Chicago
- 2009-2010: White House Chief of Staff for President Barack Obama
- 2005-2007: Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chair
- 2003-2009: U.S. Representative from Illinois, 5th Congressional District
- 1999-2002: Investment banker at Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein
- 1993-1999: Aide to President Bill Clinton
- 1989: Senior Adviser/Chief Fundraiser for the Richard M. Daley Mayoral Campaign
- 1988: National Campaign Director, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
- 1985: Earned his M.A. from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois
- 1981: Earned his B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York
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]
- 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.”
- 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.”
- 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.”
- 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.”
- 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.”
- 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.”
- 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.”
- 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.”
- 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
Rahm Emanuel did not file to run for re-election.
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 | |
![]() |
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 | |
![]() |
45.6% | 218,217 | |
![]() |
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]
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]
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]
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 | ![]() |
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]
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.
U.S. House, Illinois District 5, 2008 - Rahm Emanuel Campaign Contributions | |
---|---|
Total Raised | $2,878,252 |
Total Spent | $2,105,109 |
Total Raised by General Election Opponent | $0 |
Total Spent by General Election Opponent | $0 |
Top contributors to Rahm Emanuel's campaign committee | |
UBS AG | $64,700 |
AT&T Inc | $50,450 |
Blackstone Group | $47,000 |
Simmons Cooper LLC | $46,000 |
JPMorgan Chase & Co | $45,700 |
Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee | |
Securities & Investment | $660,400 |
Lawyers/Law Firms | $233,951 |
TV/Movies/Music | $193,050 |
Health Professionals | $149,850 |
Insurance | $144,200 |
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]
U.S. House, Illinois District 5, 2006 - Rahm Emanuel Campaign Contributions | |
---|---|
Total Raised | $1,287,804 |
Total Spent | $1,380,457 |
Total Raised by General Election Opponent | $40,630 |
Total Spent by General Election Opponent | $31,038 |
Top contributors to Rahm Emanuel's campaign committee | |
Medline Industries | $21,000 |
Goldman Sachs | $18,800 |
AT&T Inc | $16,000 |
Avenue Capital Group | $16,000 |
Citigroup Inc | $15,750 |
Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee | |
Securities & Investment | $274,050 |
Lawyers/Law Firms | $88,620 |
Real Estate | $61,050 |
Public Sector Unions | $58,000 |
Commercial Banks | $48,250 |
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]
U.S. House, Illinois District 5, 2004 - Rahm Emanuel Campaign Contributions | |
---|---|
Total Raised | $1,597,260 |
Total Spent | $689,463 |
Total Raised by General Election Opponent | $0 |
Total Spent by General Election Opponent | $0 |
Top contributors to Rahm Emanuel's campaign committee | |
Citadel Investment Group | $41,000 |
Madison Dearborn Partners | $37,000 |
Medline Industries | $24,000 |
Allianz | $22,100 |
Lazard Freres & Co | $22,000 |
Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee | |
Securities & Investment | $378,700 |
Lawyers/Law Firms | $155,697 |
TV/Movies/Music | $95,964 |
Real Estate | $59,250 |
Business Services | $59,000 |
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
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
- Mayoral office website
- Mayoral campaign website
- Social media:
- Biographies:
- Profile from Congressional Archive
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 City of Chicago, "About the Mayor," accessed August 19, 2013
- ↑ Forbes, "Rahm Emanuel Nominated As Ambassador To Japan," August 20, 2021
- ↑ Chicago Tribune, "Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel says he won't run for re-election next year," September 4, 2018
- ↑ United States House of Representatives History, Art and Archives, "Rahm Emanuel," accessed August 19, 2013
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, "Emanuel, Rahm," accessed August 19, 2013
- ↑ WP Politics, "Rahm Emanuel (D)," accessed August 20, 2013
- ↑ Vote Smart, "Rahm Emanuel's Biography," accessed August 20, 2013
- ↑ NBC Chicago, "Rahm Emanuel Endorses Hillary Clinton for President," accessed April 11, 2016
- ↑ ChicagoTogether.com, “Issues,” accessed March 3, 2015
- ↑ Chicago Board of Election Commissioners, "2015 Election Calendar," accessed August 21, 2014
- ↑ Ace of Spades, "Unofficial 2015 Chicago Election Results," accessed February 24, 2015
- ↑ Ace of Spades HQ Decision Desk, "Unofficial Election Results," accessed April 7, 2015
- ↑ Chicago Sun Times, "Enyia dropping out of mayoral race, endorsing Fioretti," December 10, 2014
- ↑ NBC Chicago, "Patterson Bumped From Mayoral Ballot," December 18, 2014
- ↑ Chicago Business, "Dozens quit or knocked off ballot in City Hall races," December 30, 2014
- ↑ Our Campaigns, "Chicago Mayor," accessed August 19, 2013
- ↑ Chicago Elections, "2011 Mayoral Results," accessed December 6, 2013
- ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 4, 2008," accessed March 28, 2013
- ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 7, 2006," accessed March 28, 2013
- ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 2004," accessed March 28, 2013
- ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 5, 2002," accessed March 28, 2013
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 22.3 OpenSecrets, "Rahm Emanuel Career Profile," accessed August 19, 2013
- ↑ Politico, "Rahm Emanuel: I have no plans to resign," December 2, 2015
- ↑ Chicago Tribune, "If police shooting video had been released sooner, would Emanuel be mayor?" November 26, 2015
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