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 Emanuel is an American politician and diplomat. A Democrat, he served as a U.S. Representative for Illinois (2003-2009), White House Chief of Staff under President Obama (2009-2010), and Mayor of Chicago (2011-2019). Most recently, he served as the United States Ambassador to Japan (2022-2025).

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1983: Shakman Decree

In August 2012, eleven Chicago police officers filed a federal lawsuit alleging that their removal from the mayoral security detail, due to political considerations in hiring, violated the 1983 Shakman Decree.

2002: Emanuel pursued the U.S. House seat

In 2002, Emanuel pursued the U.S. House seat in the 5th district of Illinois, previously held by Rod Blagojevich, who successfully ran for governor of Illinois. Edward Moskal, president of the Polish American Congress, called Emanuel a "millionaire carpetbagger".

September 2010: Anticipation of Departure as Chief of Staff

By September 2010, with Democrats anticipating heavy losses in mid-term elections, it was suggested that this would precipitate Rahm Emanuel's departure as chief of staff, after reports of conflicts with other senior members of the president's team and ideological clashes over policy.

2010: Democrats Lost Control of the House

In 2010, the Democrats lost control of the House in the mid-term elections.

January 24, 2011: Court of Appeals Ruling on Residency

On January 24, 2011, the Court of Appeals reversed the Circuit Court, holding that residency for candidacy differs from residency for voting, challenging Rahm Emanuel's eligibility for office.

August 8, 2012: CTU Authorizes Strike

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

August 2012: Federal Lawsuit Filed

In August 2012, a federal lawsuit was filed by Chicago police officers alleging they were removed from the mayoral security detail and replaced with officers who worked on Emanuel's mayoral campaign.

September 18, 2012: CTU Delegates Vote to End 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: Chicago School Closures Announced

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

August 2014: Approval Rating as Mayor of Chicago

In August 2014, a Chicago Tribune poll reported Rahm Emanuel had a 35% approval rating as mayor of Chicago.

December 24, 2015: Protests Against Emanuel and Chicago Police

On December 24, 2015, additional protests against Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Police Department took place on Chicago's Michigan Avenue shopping area, amidst growing public calls for Emanuel's resignation.

December 26, 2015: Police Shooting Incident

On December 26, 2015, a Chicago police officer fatally shot two people, including a woman shot by mistake, further intensifying the crisis surrounding the Chicago Police Department and Rahm Emanuel's leadership.