Rahm Emanuel facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Rahm Emanuel
Official portrait, 2022
31st United States Ambassador to Japan
In office March 25, 2022 – January 15, 2025
President	Joe Biden
Preceded by	Bill Hagerty (2019)
55th Mayor of Chicago
In office May 16, 2011 – May 20, 2019
Deputy	Ray Suarez Brendan Reilly
Preceded by	Richard M. Daley
Succeeded by	Lori Lightfoot
23rd White House Chief of Staff
In office January 20, 2009 – October 1, 2010
President	Barack Obama
Deputy	Mona Sutphen Jim Messina
Preceded by	Joshua Bolten
Succeeded by	Pete Rouse (acting)
Chair of the House Democratic Caucus
In office January 3, 2007 – January 2, 2009
Deputy	John B. Larson
Leader	Nancy Pelosi
Preceded by	Jim Clyburn
Succeeded by	John B. Larson
Chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
In office January 3, 2005 – January 3, 2007
Preceded by	Bob Matsui
Succeeded by	Chris Van Hollen
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 5th district
In office January 3, 2003 – January 2, 2009
Preceded by	Rod Blagojevich
Succeeded by	Mike Quigley
Senior Advisor to the President
In office January 20, 1993 – November 7, 1998
President	Bill Clinton
Preceded by	Position established
Succeeded by	Doug Sosnik
White House Director of Political Affairs
In office January 20, 1993 – June 23, 1993
President	Bill Clinton
Preceded by	Janet Mullins
Succeeded by	Joan Baggett
Personal details
Born	Rahm Israel Emanuel (1959-11-29) November 29, 1959 (age 65) Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Amy Rule ​ (m. 1994)​
Children	3
Relatives	Ari Emanuel (brother) Ezekiel Emanuel (brother)
Education	Sarah Lawrence College (BA) Northwestern University (MA)
Occupation	Politician diplomat political strategist legislator
Signature

Rahm Israel Emanuel (born November 29, 1959) is an American politician and diplomat. He recently served as the United States Ambassador to Japan from 2022 to 2025. As a member of the Democratic Party, he represented Illinois in the United States House of Representatives for three terms. This was from 2003 to 2009. He was also the White House Chief of Staff for President Barack Obama from 2009 to 2010. Later, he served as mayor of Chicago from 2011 to 2019.

Born in Chicago, Emanuel studied at Sarah Lawrence College and Northwestern University. Early in his career, he helped with Bill Clinton's 1992 presidential campaign. In 1993, he joined the Clinton administration. There he worked as an assistant for political affairs and as a Senior Advisor for policy. After working in government, Emanuel worked at an investment bank for two and a half years. He also served on the board of directors for Freddie Mac. In 2002, he ran for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. He won and served from 2003 to 2009. As the head of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, he helped Democrats win many seats in 2006. This gave the party control of the House for the first time since 1994.

After the 2008 election, President Barack Obama chose Emanuel to be his chief of staff. In October 2010, Emanuel left this role to run for mayor of Chicago. He won the 2011 election with 55% of the vote. In the 2015 Chicago mayoral election, he won again after a run-off election. His approval ratings dropped in late 2015 due to various issues. In 2018, he decided not to run for a third term. He left office in May 2019. In 2021, President Joe Biden nominated Emanuel to be the United States Ambassador to Japan. He was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in December of that year.

Early Life and Family Background

Emanuel's father, Benjamin M. Emanuel, was born in Jerusalem. He moved to the United States and worked as a pediatrician. His father was once part of the Irgun, a Jewish group in Mandatory Palestine.

The family name Emanuel means "God is with us" in Hebrew. They adopted it to honor Rahm's uncle, Emanuel Auerbach. He was killed in Jerusalem in 1933.

Emanuel's mother, Marsha, was the daughter of a labor union organizer from Chicago. She was also involved in the civil rights movement. She briefly owned a local rock and roll club.

Emanuel was born in Chicago, Illinois, on November 29, 1959. His first name, Rahm, means high or lofty in Hebrew. His older brother, Ezekiel, is a doctor and expert in medical ethics. His younger brother, Ari, is the CEO of Endeavor, an entertainment company. Rahm Emanuel also has a younger adopted sister named Shoshana.

Education and Early Experiences

Emanuel attended the Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School in Chicago. When his family moved to Wilmette, he went to public schools there. He and his brothers also attended summer camp in Israel. This included the summer after the 1967 Six-Day War.

Rahm's mother encouraged him to take ballet lessons. He graduated from the Evanston School of Ballet. He also studied at The Joel Hall Dance Center. He received a scholarship to the Joffrey Ballet. However, he chose to attend Sarah Lawrence College instead. He graduated from Sarah Lawrence in 1981 with a degree in Liberal Arts. In 1985, he earned a master's degree in Speech and Communication from Northwestern University.

In 1991, Emanuel volunteered with the Israel Defense Forces during the Gulf War. He helped repair truck brakes at a base in northern Israel.

While working at an Arby's restaurant in high school, Emanuel cut his right middle finger. It became infected from swimming in Lake Michigan. Part of his finger had to be removed.

Political Staffer Career

Emanuel started his political career with Illinois Public Action. This group focused on public interest and consumer rights. He then worked in various roles in local and national politics. He first focused on raising money for campaigns in Illinois.

Emanuel worked for Democrat Paul Simon's 1984 campaign for the U.S. Senate. He also directed the national campaign for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee in 1988. He was a senior advisor and chief fundraiser for Richard M. Daley's successful campaign for mayor of Chicago in 1989.

When Bill Clinton started his 1992 presidential campaign, Emanuel led its finance committee. Emanuel made sure Clinton spent time raising money. This helped the campaign afford TV ads when Clinton faced challenges. Clinton's main rival later dropped out due to lack of funds. Emanuel's knowledge of top donors helped Clinton raise a large amount of money.

Clinton Administration Role

Emanuel with President Bill Clinton in 1993

After the campaign, Emanuel worked as a senior advisor to President Clinton at the White House. This was from 1993 to 1998. He first served as Assistant to the President for Political Affairs. Then he became Senior Advisor for Policy and Strategy. He was a key planner in White House efforts, including the NAFTA agreement.

Emanuel is known for his strong and direct style. He earned the nickname "Rahmbo". Friends of Emanuel have said he has "mellowed out" over time. Stories about his style have become popular.

Career in Finance

After working for Bill Clinton, Emanuel left the administration in 1998. He joined the investment banking firm Wasserstein Perella. He worked there for two and a half years. Even without a business degree or prior banking experience, he became a managing director in 1999. He reportedly earned $16.2 million during his time as a banker.

Freddie Mac

In 2000, President Clinton appointed Emanuel to the Board of Directors of Freddie Mac. He earned at least $320,000 while on the board. During his time there, Freddie Mac faced issues with campaign donations and accounting. Emanuel resigned from the board in 2001 before running for Congress.

Congressional Career

Rep. John Dingell and Rep. Emanuel celebrate Paczki Day, February 28, 2006

Elections

In 2002, Emanuel ran for the U.S. House seat in Illinois' 5th district. This seat was left open by Rod Blagojevich. Emanuel won the primary election. He then defeated Republican candidate Mark Augusti in the general election. He won his first election with 67% of the vote. This was his closest election for that seat. He won over 70% in all his re-election campaigns.

Tenure in Congress

Rep. Emanuel speaking at St. Hyacinth Basilica in Chicago's Polish Village

Emanuel was elected after the October 2002 resolution that allowed the Iraq War. So, he did not vote on it. However, before the resolution, Emanuel spoke in favor of the war.

In January 2003, Emanuel joined the House Financial Services Committee. He was on the subcommittee that oversaw Freddie Mac. A few months later, Freddie Mac's CEO was forced out. The committee began hearings into Freddie Mac. Emanuel did not attend these hearings.

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman

Emanuel became the chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC). He took over after the previous chair, Bob Matsui, passed away. Emanuel led the Democratic Party's effort to win control of the House of Representatives in the 2006 elections. The documentary HouseQuake shows these elections.

Emanuel speaks during the second day of the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado

The Democratic Party gained 30 seats in the House in the 2006 elections. Emanuel received much praise for his work at the DCCC. Even a Republican Representative, Ray LaHood, praised him. He said Emanuel "recruited the right candidates, found the money, and funded them."

Some people criticized Emanuel for not supporting all progressive candidates. Emanuel had "aggressively recruited right-leaning candidates, often military veterans." Many of these candidates later voted against important plans by the Obama administration.

Democratic Caucus Chairman

After helping Democrats win in 2006, Emanuel was considered for a top leadership role. Nancy Pelosi, who became the Speaker of the House, convinced him to become Democratic Caucus Chairman. In this role, he gained more responsibilities.

Views on Political Issues

Emanuel joins Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich to advocate changes to Medicare legislation, September 24, 2003

Social Issues

Emanuel is generally liberal on social issues. He has supported the banning of certain rifles. In his 2002 campaign, he supported making health care affordable for all Americans.

In his 2006 book, The Plan: Big Ideas for America, Emanuel suggested a three-month required service program for young Americans. A similar idea was later proposed by Barack Obama.

Iraq War

During his 2002 campaign, Emanuel supported President Bush's stance on Iraq. However, he felt the President needed to explain his position better.

Middle East

In June 2007, Emanuel spoke out against violence in the Gaza Strip. He criticized Arab countries for not putting pressure on Palestinians. At a 2003 pro-Israel rally, Emanuel said Israel was "ready for peace." But he added that peace would not happen until Palestinians "turn away from the path of terror."

White House Chief of Staff

Emanuel supported Hillary Clinton for president in 2008. But his loyalties were tested when his home-state Senator, Barack Obama, also showed interest. Emanuel stayed neutral until June 2008, when he endorsed Obama.

White House Chief of Staff Emanuel reads a newspaper in the Oval Office, as President Barack Obama talks on the phone on April 4, 2009

Emanuel with Barack Obama in the Oval Office

On November 6, 2008, Emanuel accepted the job of White House Chief of Staff for President Barack Obama. He left his congressional seat on January 2, 2009.

Some Republican leaders criticized Emanuel's appointment. They felt it went against Obama's promise of less divisive politics. However, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham disagreed. He called Emanuel "tough, but fair, honest, direct, and candid."

Emanuel once said, "You never want a serious crisis to go to waste." He later explained this meant using a crisis as a chance to do things that seemed impossible before.

In 2009, The New York Times called Emanuel "perhaps the most influential chief of staff of a generation." He is known for his direct negotiation style. Emanuel later apologized for using inappropriate language in a private conversation that became public.

According to a book by Jonathan Alter, Emanuel initially opposed Obama's broad health care reform plan. He wanted a smaller plan that could get support from both parties. Emanuel wanted to expand coverage for children and single mothers. Obama, however, went with a broader plan. Emanuel later said, "Thank God for the country, he didn't listen to me."

As chief of staff, Emanuel was involved in war strategy, political moves, and economic policy. He was known for calling the CIA Director to ask about drone strikes.

In 2010, Emanuel reportedly had disagreements with other senior members of the president's team. He also faced criticism from left-leaning Democrats. These issues led to his departure as chief of staff in September 2010.

Mayor of Chicago

Elections

2011 Mayoral Election

On September 30, 2010, it was announced that Emanuel would leave his White House job. He would run for Mayor of Chicago. He was replaced by Pete Rouse on October 2, 2010.

Emanuel started the race with high public recognition. He was well-known locally and nationally.

His eligibility to run was questioned because he had not lived in Chicago for a year. This was while he worked in Washington. The courts eventually confirmed he was eligible.

Emanuel had a big financial advantage over other candidates. He raised much more money. He had experience fundraising and connections in Washington and Hollywood. He received donations from many people, including Steven Spielberg and Donald Trump.

Emanuel suggested lowering the city's sales tax and raising the service tax. He supported longer school days and years. He opposed an elected school board. Other candidates criticized him for his past work at Freddie Mac.

Emanuel received strong support from Democratic leaders in Chicago. His advertisements showed his strong roots in the city. They also highlighted his time in the White House and Congress. He emphasized his connections with Presidents Clinton and Obama.

Emanuel had strong support from Jewish and LGBT voters. He also had support from independent progressives. As the only white candidate, he likely received unified support from white voters. He also gained support from African American voters. This was due to his ties with Presidents Clinton and Obama.

Emanuel was endorsed by Chicago's major newspapers, the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Sun-Times.

Emanuel was elected on February 22, 2011, with 55% of the vote. He became the 55th Mayor of Chicago on May 16, 2011. He was Chicago's first Jewish mayor.

2015 Mayoral Election

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

In 2015, Emanuel won 56 percent of the vote in the run-off election. He ran against Jesús "Chuy" García. He faced criticism for closing 50 public schools in minority neighborhoods. There was also anger about high gun violence. However, he was supported by businesses and most of the Democratic party.

2016 Approval Ratings

In February 2016, Chicago Tribune polls reported Emanuel's approval ratings dropped to 27%. This was an all-time low. It confirmed a "public crisis in confidence" for Emanuel. He faced protests and accusations of covering up a police shooting video.

For months, Emanuel claimed releasing the video would harm a federal investigation. But a judge forced its release. The video showed details that contradicted police reports. Public backlash followed Emanuel's handling of the video. Many called for his resignation.

Emanuel responded by forcing the resignation of Chicago's police chief. He also created a plan to reform the police department.

2019 Mayoral Election

Emanuel announced in October 2017 that he would run for re-election in 2019. This was despite low approval ratings. However, on September 4, 2018, he changed his mind. A close friend said Emanuel was unsure about serving a third term. Emanuel had been leading in polls before his decision to withdraw. He told the Chicago Tribune he had discussed it with his family. He felt it was time for a new chapter.

Mayor's Tenure and Policies

Emanuel put together a team from different backgrounds to help with his transition. On November 16, the city council approved his first budget. It cut the budget by $34 million but increased spending by $46.2 million. This was done by raising fees and fines.

In April 2018, Emanuel received an honorary law degree from NUI Galway in Ireland. He was recognized for his achievements in education reform as Mayor.

Police and Community Relations

Rahm Emanuel faced much criticism for his handling of the October 20, 2014, police shooting of Laquan McDonald. The dash-cam video of the shooting was initially held back. It was only released after a judge ordered it on November 24, 2015. After the video came out, Emanuel was criticized for covering up the incident. He was also criticized for allowing police to use too much force against minorities.

Protests started soon after the video's release. Many people called for his resignation. By early December, Emanuel's approval rating dropped to 18%. More than half of those polled wanted him to resign. Emanuel responded by firing Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy. He also announced changes to the Chicago police department. This included giving more Tasers to officers.

Public Education

In 2012, the city and the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) had trouble agreeing on a contract. Issues included health insurance, teacher evaluations, and pay raises. On September 10, the CTU began a strike. On September 14, they reached a temporary agreement. But the strike continued. Emanuel then tried to get a legal order to force teachers back to work. On September 18, the CTU voted to end the strike. Students returned to schools the next day.

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

Dropout and graduation rates have improved in recent years. However, researchers note that alternative schools do not follow this trend.

Public Health

On August 16, 2011, Emanuel introduced "Healthy Chicago." This was the city's first public health plan. Emanuel also combined some City Council committees to save money.

Transparency Issues

During Emanuel's time as mayor, some of his appointees faced issues. Two were convicted of corruption. A third resigned after being accused of a cover-up. Emanuel faced criticism for defending him.

Emanuel rejected requests for his and his staff's communication logs. He said they were "too burdensome." Later, it was found that 90 percent of emails had been deleted. This led to criticism that he went against his promise for an "open, accountable, and transparent government."

Emanuel and his office were found to have broken state law. They withheld government emails by moving them to personal phones. In March 2017, Emanuel released 2,696 emails he had previously withheld. These emails showed possible violations of lobbying laws.

Lollapalooza Tax Exemption

Lollapalooza, a music festival in Grant Park, was exempt from taxes. Emanuel's brother Ari is a co-CEO of a company that co-owns the event. In 2011, Rahm Emanuel asked the City Council to appoint an independent negotiator. This was to avoid any appearance of bias. Lollapalooza paid taxes for the first time in seven years in 2012.

Hyperloop Project

Rahm Emanuel announced plans to give Elon Musk a contract. This was to build a Hyperloop between downtown Chicago and O'Hare International Airport. This project would not use public money. Some criticized this because Elon Musk had donated to Emanuel's campaigns. This raised questions about a possible conflict of interest.

Immigration Policy

Chicago became a "de jure" sanctuary city in 2012. This happened when Rahm Emanuel and the City Council passed the Welcoming City Ordinance.

Approval Ratings as Mayor

End of Mayoral Term

Emanuel planned for a smooth changeover to his successor, Lori Lightfoot. He wanted to model it after the U.S. presidential transition between George W. Bush and Barack Obama. Emanuel had been part of that transition.

Post-Mayoral Career

Emanuel (left) with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in 2022

Emanuel with Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in 2022

Emanuel and his wife with President Joe Biden in May 2022

Emanuel riding a Tokyo Metro train in January 2023

After leaving office, Emanuel became a contributing editor for The Atlantic magazine. However, this title was later removed. In May 2019, he became the founding executive chair of the National BAM Advisory Council. This council supports the Becoming A Man youth program. In June 2019, Emanuel joined Centerview Partners as a senior counselor. Since July 2019, he has also worked as a political analyst for ABC News.

United States Ambassador to Japan

In February 2021, reports said the Biden administration was considering Emanuel as an ambassador. In April 2021, it was reported that Biden chose him as ambassador to Japan. Emanuel was formally nominated in August 2021. The U.S. Senate confirmed his nomination on December 18, 2021. He presented his credentials to Japanese Emperor Naruhito on March 25, 2022.

Emanuel became popular with the Japanese public. He often used the local rail system in Tokyo and posted photos on Twitter. However, some Japanese politicians criticized his public statements on gay and transgender rights. This happened while Japanese lawmakers debated an anti-discrimination bill.

In 2024, he became the first U.S. ambassador to visit Yonaguni. On August 7, 2024, it was announced he would not attend a memorial ceremony for the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. This was because Israel was not invited to the ceremony.

Electoral History

Mayor of Chicago

US House of Representatives

Personal Life

Emanuel and his wife, Amy Rule, in 2022

Emanuel and his wife, Amy Merritt Rule, have a son and two daughters. As of 2011, their family lived in the Ravenswood neighborhood in Chicago. Amy Rule became Jewish before their wedding. Emanuel is good friends with David Axelrod. Axelrod signed their Jewish marriage contract. The Emanuels are members of the Chicago synagogue Anshe Sholom B'nai Israel. Emanuel has said, "I am proud of my heritage and treasure the values it has taught me." Emanuel's children attended the private University of Chicago Laboratory Schools.

Each year, Emanuel takes his family on a trip during the winter holidays. This allows his children to experience other cultures. Past trips have been to Vietnam, India, Kenya, Zambia, and South America. His 2015 holiday trip was to Cuba.

Emanuel trains for and takes part in triathlons. In 2011, he placed 9th out of 80 competitors in his age group. He is also a passionate cyclist.

Images for kids

• 

  Rahm Emanuel's signature

See also

In Spanish: Rahm Emanuel para niños

• History of the Jews in Chicago
• List of Jewish members of the United States Congress