Mayor Rahm Emanuel today announced that he will not be seeking re-election. Here’s what people are saying about the decision.

“As a mayor, a congressman, and my first White House chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel has been a tireless and brilliant public servant. His work to improve our schools is paying dividends by helping our teachers and students achieve faster academic improvement than students in 96 percent of America’s school districts. The announcement to establish universal pre-K in Chicago, on top of universal kindergarten, will give all our kids the best possible start. And his implementation of debt-free community college will help prepare all our young people for the new economy. With record job growth and record employment over his terms in office, Chicago is better and stronger for his leadership, and I was a better President for his wise counsel at a particularly perilous time for our country. I’ve been blessed to call Rahm my friend. Whatever he chooses to do next, I know he’ll continue to make a positive difference, just as he has throughout his career in public service. And Michelle and I wish Rahm and Amy all the best as they consider this next phase in their lives.”
-Former President Barack Obama

“From the earliest days of my presidential campaign over a quarter-century ago, through my time in the White House; his service in Congress; as Chief of Staff to President Obama; and for eight vital years as Mayor, Rahm Emanuel has served with vision, purpose, principle, and impact. I believe he succeeded because he cares about people, policy, and politics. Even people who disagree with him strongly on some issues understand that. Rahm keeps score the right way: by the number of lives changed for the better—the number of children getting pre-kindergarten; the number of young people going to community college tuition-free; and the number of new jobs and new businesses. He is proof that if you focus on the trend lines, not just the headlines, a public leader can make a lasting positive difference. Decades from now, the children who are starting pre-k today thanks to Rahm will be smarter, stronger, and better able to succeed in a rapidly chaining world. They will take their turn leading the city and our nation. That is truly an enduring legacy. He has decided to step aside after two exciting and exhausting terms and an undefeated record in elections. As George Washington taught us, voluntarily leaving office can be an act of service that strengthens our democracy. As everyone knows, Hillary and I love Chicago for many reasons. It is a world-class city, with wonderfully diverse people, amazing strengths, and like all big cities, compelling challenges. Chicagoans were wise to pick Rahm Emanuel when they did. Now they must choose wisely again. Someone to continue addressing the challenges, maintain the strengths, and bridge the divides. Hillary and I treasure our friendship with Rahm and Amy. With Zach, Leah, and Ilana, I know they will write a new chapter in their rich, eventful life of service.”
-Former President Bill Clinton

“Rahm's record of public service spans Congress, the White House, and the fifth floor of City Hall in Chicago. I have worked closely with him at every level of his public career. I always knew a call from Rahm was an invitation to join him in a bold, ambitious effort to make life better for those he served. It has been my honor to join him in these great ventures. Rahm has left his mark and I wish him and Amy the best in the days ahead.”
-U.S. Senator Dick Durbin

“I want to thank Rahm Emanuel for his service to our city as a member of Congress, as chief of staff to President Obama, and most notably as our mayor. Mayor Emanuel offered steady leadership through difficult times. His efforts to balance the budget, stabilize pensions, and make tough decisions consistently reflected his commitment to do what was best for the future of our city, not what was easy. As Chicago continues to move forward and grow as an international city, we will remain grateful for Mayor Emanuel’s leadership.”
-Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan

“I was surprised by Mayor Emanuel’s announcement this morning that he has decided not to seek re-election. I want to thank him for leading our city for the past eight years and also for his service to the nation –his time in Congress and as Chief of Staff to President Obama. Being mayor of the nation’s third-largest city is extraordinarily difficult and all-consuming. I wish him and Amy well in their future endeavors.”
-Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle

“Like so many Chicagoans, I was truly surprised to learn of Mayor Emanuel’s decision not to seek re-election. But I wish to take this opportunity to commend the Mayor on his earnest efforts on so many fronts, for taking steps to stabilize the City’s pension funds, putting more police officers on the streets, and markedly improving graduation rates of the Chicago Public Schools. Throughout his tenure in office he has sought to unify our City with a zeal that was as encompassing as it was passionate. Mayor Emanuel fought hard to move our City forward. And long after he leaves office, he will be remembered as a leader who exemplified a profound sense of decency and who had the courage to make difficult decisions on behalf of all Chicagoans.”
-Alderman Edward M. Burke

“I want to thank Mayor Rahm Emanuel for his service to the residents of Chicago, and for his decades of public service as a whole. I wish him nothing but the best as he begins the next chapter in what’s already been an amazing journey.”
-Illinois State Senate Republican Leader Bill Brady

“Mayor Emanuel and I had some lively arguments when I first took office as City Clerk. But we respected each other’s work ethic and were united by our mutual love for the City and the people of Chicago. He made tough choices that needed to be made and I admire his conviction and force of will that drove him to see many projects through for the good of Chicago. Knowing that there’s still so much more work to do and so many critical challenges that would require a 100% focus, his decision to not seek re-election means that Mayor Emanuel is putting the City before himself. I admire him for that. As Rahm said, ‘It has been the job of a lifetime, but it is not a job for a lifetime.’ I thank Rahm for his dedicated service to Chicago as its mayor and I hope we find a worthy successor.”
-Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza

“Having lived in a family in which my father and brother both served as Mayor of Chicago I understand the challenges and rewards of the job. During his time in office Mayor Emanuel has worked tirelessly to improve the City of Chicago. His leadership has been integral to resolving many of the challenges Chicago has faced and his dedication and determination have served to improve Chicago’s standing as a world-class city. I thank Mayor Emanuel, his wife Amy and their children for their service and commitment to our great city and I wish them continued success in the future.”
-Cook County Commissioner John P. Daley

“I am proud to call Rahm Emanuel my friend, and our city is better because of his service. I know he will continue to make a positive difference in the lives of others.”
-Former U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker

“One of my first jobs in Chicago politics was working for Mayor Emanuel. I have seen firsthand the passion and dedication he has to all the people of Chicago, regardless of where they come from or what neighborhood they live in. He took a chance on me, a first generation college student, Latina from a working class family, and for that I am incredibly grateful. I admire his commitment to always being a strong champion for all of Chicago’s residents and while I am surprised by his decision to not run for re-election, it paves a way forward for the next generation of Chicago leaders. I wish him and Amy all the best and am looking forward to seeing what challenges he will take on next.”
-Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia

“I am proud of my friend Mayor Emanuel, who has given his all to Chicago for the past eight years. It takes a strong leader to govern a big, boisterous city. He has been that larger-than life figure, and our city is better for his tireless efforts. He will be missed.”
-David Axelrod, former Senior Advisor to President Obama

“Thank you to Chicago’s Mayor Rahm for a lifetime of public service. The world is a better place because of the work you have done.”
-Jim Messina, former White House Deputy Chief of Staff to President Obama

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