Chicago reelects Mayor Emanuel in runoff

After voters force him to fight ‘Chuy’ Garcia for his seat, the victor promises to do better.

CHICAGO — Rahm Emanuel defeated challenger Jesus “Chuy” Garcia on Tuesday to win a second term in Chicago’s first-ever runoff election for mayor, a six-week sprint that left him acknowledging he could do better.

The mayor struck a conciliatory tone in his victory speech, promising a more caring style and saying an election featuring the grandson of an immigrant and an immigrant shows why Chicago is the greatest city in America.

“To the Second City that voted for a second term and a second chance: I have had the good fortune to serve two presidents. I have had the good fortune of being elected to Congress,” Emanuel said. “Being elected mayor of the city of Chicago is the greatest job I’ve ever had and the greatest job in the world.”

He thanked voters for putting him through his paces, saying: “I will be a better mayor because of that. I will carry your voices, your concerns into the ... mayor’s office.”

With about 95% of precincts reporting, Emanuel had 55.5% of the unofficial vote to 44.5% for Garcia, a Cook County commissioner and former alderman and state senator.

Garcia spoke to a raucous crowd at the University of Illinois at Chicago about starting as a young immigrant from Mexico and going on to run for mayor of the nation’s third-largest city.

“To all the little boys and girls watching: We didn’t lose today. We tried today. We fought hard for what we believe in,” he said. “You don’t succeed at this or anything else unless you try.... Keep standing up for yourselves and what you believe in.”