Emanuel Era To End: Obama, Others React To Choice Not To Run

CHICAGO — Lawmakers and political observers might have been shocked by Mayor Rahm Emanuel's announcement Tuesday that he would not be running for re-election in 2019. But that didn't render many of them speechless when it came to expressing how they felt about the mayor not seeking a third term.

Emanuel announced his decision at a press conference Tuesday, explaining that he felt it was time to "pass the torch." He said he will work with his successor to create a smooth transition following next year's election. (Get Patch real-time email alerts and daily newsletters for Chicago.)

RELATED: Mayor Rahm Emanuel Will Not Run For Re-Election (VIDEO)

Here's what friends, colleagues and critics had to say about Emanuel's decision.

Former President Bill Clinton

"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," Clinton said in a statement. "I believe he succeeded because he cares about people, policy, and politics. Even people who disagree with him strongly on some issues understand that. …

"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."

Former President Barack Obama

"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," Obama said in a statement. "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."

David Axelrod, former Clinton adviser and close Emanuel friend

“I wasn’t shocked by his decision,” Axelrod told the Chicago Sun-Times. “He didn’t make this decision lightly. He obviously loves the job, and he felt confident he could win another term, … but it really came down to did he have four more years left in him?

“I admire him for making such a hard decision. It was an all or nothing kind of job, and Rahm was not going to do anything half-ass."

Garry McCarthy, former Chicago police superintendent and 2019 mayoral candidate

"None of the critical challenges that we face have been impacted by the mayor's announcement not to run for re-election, you have to realize that," McCarthy said during a press conference following Emanuel's decision. "Those problems are still here and still need to be solved."

Emanuel fired McCarthy in the aftermath of the release of a Chicago Police Department dashcam video showing the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald Ofc. Jason Van Dyke in October 2014. The city fought the video's release for a year and was finally ordered by a judge to make it public in late 2015.

McCarthy announced his candidacy in March.

Jesse Sharkey, vice president of the Chicago Teachers Union

"We're happy to hear that news mainly for what it means for education and schools in this city," Sharkey said at a news conference Tuesday. "I want to begin by saying, make no mistake about this, much of the credit for this announcement belongs to Karen Lewis. … It was Karen's leadership, fearlessness, and love for our city and for the schools in Chicago in particular and for the city of Chicago, that made this possible. It was Karen's willingness to stand up to Rahm and to call his policies out for what they were, which were harmful to students, harmful to people who live in the neighborhoods and harmful to our city. It was her courage in that area that really led the way for a political revolt, which ultimately has led to Rahm's political undoing and now his announcement that he won't run for a new term."

The union and Emanuel had been at loggerheads over school spending and teacher contracts since the mayor took office in 2011.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle

“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,” she said in a statement. “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.”

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin

"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," he said in a statement. "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.”

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel (left) and then-President Barack Obama (R) talk in the White House in 2011. (Photo by Pete Souza | The White House via Getty Images)