Rahm Emanuel wins second term as Chicago's mayor

CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel won a second mayoral term Tuesday by defeating Cook County Commissioner Jesus "Chuy" Garcia in a runoff election.

Emanuel, a former White House chief of staff and former congressman, opened up a double-digit lead early on in the night, and the race was called with 73% of precincts reporting, with the mayor taking 56% support to Garcia's 44% support.

Preliminary results indicate Emanuel was able to boost turnout in the city's majority white communities on the Chicago lakefront and on the North side, as well as maintain a strong lead in the African American neighborhoods on Chicago's West and South side.



Emanuel faced a tough re-election bid in a race that hinged on his brusque management style and who'd better manage the serious financial challenges faced by the nation's third-largest city.

Emanuel was unable to capture a majority against four other candidates in February's election, forcing Tuesday's runoff.

Emanuel campaigned furiously across Chicago, highlighting tough decisions he's made yet admitting his aggressive approach at times rubbed residents the wrong way. He portrayed Garcia as inexperienced.

Garcia ran a neighborhood-focused campaign supported by teachers and unions angry with Emanuel. He criticized the incumbent's handling of school closures and a spike in gang violence.