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. He served as United States ambassador to Japan (2022-2025). A Democrat, he represented Illinois in the U.S. House of Representatives (2003-2009). He then became White House Chief of Staff under President Barack Obama (2009-2010) and was the Mayor of Chicago for two terms (2011-2019).

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1983: Shakman Decree

The Shakman Decree was issued in 1983, it bars city officials from making political considerations in the hiring process. Rahm Emanuel was sued because officers alleged they were removed from the mayoral security detail and replaced with officers who worked on Emanuel's mayoral campaign, in violation of the Shakman Decree.

2010: Criticism for Recruiting Right-Leaning Candidates

In 2010, Rahm Emanuel faced criticism for his failure to support progressive candidates and for recruiting right-leaning candidates, which some believe contributed to later Republican majorities.

January 24, 2011: Court of Appeals Reverses Ruling on Emanuel's Residency

On January 24, 2011, the Court of Appeals reversed the Circuit Court's decision regarding Rahm Emanuel's eligibility to run for mayor, arguing that residency for a candidate differed from residency for a voter due to his time serving as White House chief of staff. The Illinois Supreme Court would later reverse this decision, affirming Emanuel's eligibility.

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 lack of compromise on health insurance increases, teacher evaluations, and seniority pay increases.

August 2012: Lawsuit Filed Against Emanuel

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, a violation of the 1983 Shakman Decree.

September 18, 2012: Chicago Teachers Union Strike Ends

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

September 17, 2013: Closure of 50 Chicago Public Schools

On September 17, 2013, Emanuel's appointed Chicago Board of Education announced the closing of 50 Chicago public schools, including 49 elementary schools and one high school, marking the largest school closure in Chicago history.

August 2014: Emanuel's Approval Rating Reported

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

October 20, 2014: Police Murder of Laquan McDonald

On October 20, 2014, Laquan McDonald was murdered by Chicago police. Rahm Emanuel faced criticism for his handling of the case.

November 24, 2015: Release of Laquan McDonald Shooting Video

On November 24, 2015, the dash-cam video of the October 20, 2014 police shooting of Laquan McDonald was released after a judge ordered it. This led to widespread condemnation of Rahm Emanuel for allegedly covering up the incident.

December 24, 2015: Protests against Emanuel and Chicago's Police Department on Michigan Avenue

On December 24, 2015, additional protests against Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Police Department were held on Chicago's busy Michigan Avenue shopping area.

December 26, 2015: Police shooting incident

On December 26, 2015, a police officer was involved in another shooting incident that resulted in the death of two people, including a woman who was shot by mistake.

2015: Emanuel Won Chicago Mayoral Election Run-off

In 2015, Rahm Emanuel defeated Jesús "Chuy" García in the Chicago mayoral election run-off after failing to obtain an absolute majority in the first round.

February 2016: Emanuel's Approval Ratings Plummet

In February 2016, polls from the Chicago Tribune reported Emanuel's approval ratings had dropped to 27% due to his role as Mayor of Chicago. The Chicago Tribune stated that this all-time record low job approval confirms a "public crisis in confidence" for Emanuel who had been subjected to weeks of public protests and allegations of him covering up the Laquan McDonald police shooting video.

March 2017: Release of Withheld Government Emails and Possible Lobbying Violations

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