CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel failed to capture a majority of the vote in Tuesday’s municipal election, an embarrassment for the former White House chief of staff who now faces a runoff this spring against Cook County Commissioner Jesus “Chuy” Garcia.
The result exposed possible vulnerability for an incumbent who has widespread support from business leaders, national name recognition and raised millions of dollars in campaign funds.
Still, he wasn’t able to capture the more than 50 percent necessary to avoid an April 7 runoff against Garcia, a former alderman and state senator, who finished far below Emanuel’s vote total but far above the other three challengers.
Emanuel’s challengers — Garcia, Alderman Bob Fioretti, businessman Willie Wilson and activist William Walls — capitalized on discontentment over Emanuel’s handling of schools and city violence.
