Rahm Emanuel, Former Chicago Mayor, Confirmed As Japan Ambassador

WASHINGTON, DC — Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel was among more than 30 ambassadors and other Biden administration nominees confirmed by the U.S. Senate early Saturday morning. Emanuel was confirmed to serve as ambassador to Japan by a vote of 48-21.

Eight Republicans voted with a majority of Democrats to confirm Emanuel, The Associated Press reported. Three Democrats voted against his confirmation: Sens. Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, and Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon.

Emanuel is a former chief of staff to former President Barack Obama and served as senior adviser to former President Bill Clinton.

He spent eight turbulent years as Chicago mayor. His tenure included a series of milestones, including the closure of the most public schools at one time in American history, passing a record-breaking property tax hike and his administration's cover-up of the video showing a police officer shoot and kill Black teenager Laquan McDonald until Emanuel got elected to a second term.

Illinois U.S. Sens. Richard Durbin and Tammy Duckworth both voted to confirm Emanuel, the Chicago Tribune reported.

Emanuel released a statement following the confirmation:

“I’m humbled and appreciative of President Biden’s confidence he has placed in me and grateful for the Senate’s bipartisan support, especially from Sen. Durbin and Sen. Duckworth,” Emanuel said in a statement. “As ambassador, I will work tirelessly to deepen our ties as our countries confront common challenges. While Chicago will always be home, Amy and I look forward to this next chapter in Japan.”