Challenges Faced by Rahm Emanuel: Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Rahm Emanuel's life and career.

Rahm Israel Emanuel is an American politician, diplomat, and former investment banker. A prominent member of the Democratic Party, he served as a U.S. Representative for Illinois (2003-2009), White House Chief of Staff under President Barack Obama (2009-2010), and Mayor of Chicago (2011-2019). Most recently, he was the United States ambassador to Japan (2022-2025). His career spans legislative, executive, and diplomatic roles, marking him as a significant figure in American politics.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2010: Democrats lost control of the House

Howie Klein suggested that Emanuel's congressional campaign strategy contributed to the Democrats losing control of the House in the 2010 mid-term elections.

January 24, 2011: Court of Appeals Reversed Decision on Residency

On January 24, 2011, the Court of Appeals reversed the Circuit Court, holding that residency for purposes of a candidate is different from residency for purposes of being a voter.

2011: Requested Independent Negotiator for Lollapalooza

In 2011, Rahm Emanuel requested the City Council to appoint an independent third party negotiator for Lollapalooza's tax exemption, due to his brother's connection to the event.

August 8, 2012: Chicago Teachers Union Authorizes Strike

On August 8, 2012, the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) voted 90% to authorize a strike due to disagreements over health insurance, teacher evaluations, and seniority pay increases.

August 2012: Federal Lawsuit Filed by Police Officers

In August 2012, eleven Chicago police officers filed a federal lawsuit alleging they were removed from the mayoral security detail and replaced with officers who worked on Emanuel's mayoral campaign, allegedly violating the 1983 Shakman Decree.

September 18, 2012: Chicago Teachers Union Ends Strike

On September 18, 2012, delegates from the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) voted to end the strike, with students returning to schools the following day.

September 17, 2013: Closing of 50 Chicago Public Schools Announced

On September 17, 2013, Emanuel's appointed Chicago Board of Education announced the closing of 50 Chicago public schools, the largest school closure in Chicago history.

October 20, 2014: Police Murder of Laquan McDonald

On October 20, 2014, Laquan McDonald was murdered by a Chicago police officer, leading to criticism of Emanuel's handling of the situation.

November 24, 2015: Dash-Cam Video of Laquan McDonald Shooting Released

On November 24, 2015, the dash-cam video of the Laquan McDonald shooting was released after a judge ordered it, leading to further condemnation of Emanuel for allegedly covering up the incident.

December 24, 2015: Protests Against Emanuel and Chicago Police

On December 24, 2015, additional protests against Emanuel and Chicago's Police Department were held on Michigan Avenue regarding the Laquan McDonald shooting.

December 26, 2015: Police Shooting Incident

On December 26, 2015, a Chicago police officer fatally shot two people, including a woman who was shot by mistake.

2015: Chicago Mayoral Election

In 2015, Emanuel won the Chicago mayoral election after a run-off election, and his approval rating later plunged due to a series of scandals.

February 2016: Chicago Tribune Polls Report Dropped Approval Ratings

In February 2016, Chicago Tribune polls reported that Rahm Emanuel's approval ratings had dropped to 27%, confirming a "public crisis in confidence" following weeks of protests and allegations of covering up the Laquan McDonald police shooting video.

March 2017: Released Withheld Government Emails

In March 2017, the Chicago Tribune reported that Rahm Emanuel released 2,696 emails he had previously withheld, and these emails showed 26 potential violations of lobbying laws.