On Feb. 24, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is up for re-election.
Emanuel has out-fundraised his closest challenger almost 30-to-1 and has benefited from an improved approval rating thanks to a barrage of TV campaign ads, but some still believe the mayor remains vulnerable due to voter anger over the mass closing of some 50 public schools and half the city’s mental health clinics, Chicago’s increased shooting rate, and other issues.
Cook County Commissioner and mayoral challenger Jesus “Chuy” Garcia is one of the believers.
Garcia entered the race late, declaring his candidacy in late October after fiery Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis suspended her own campaign due to health issues. In fact, it was at Lewis’s insistence that Garcia launched his campaign.
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HP: When was the last time you spoke with Rahm Emanuel? What did you speak about? [Ed. note: Interview was conducted prior to a Jan. 27 debate hosted by the Chicago Tribune editorial board.]
JG: I bumped into him at a 5k run on a Saturday morning in early November of 2014 in West Englewood and shook his hand. That was the last time that we exchanged any words. We were both cordial.
HP: So, no swearing or anything like that?
JG: Too many people around. [Laughs] And the media.
Interview has been edited and condensed for brevity.
