NEW : Barack Obama pledges to tackle `` serious new challenges '' in china . Former aide to President Barack Obama gets over half of vote to avoid a runoff . Former Chicago School Board head Gery Chico is in third place . Emanuel maintained he never gave up his residency and defended himself at an election board hearing in December , which lasted almost 12 hours , even listing what possessions he had kept in the home : his wife 's wedding dress , the family china , photo albums , a bed , a piano and a stereo , and was asked specifically where they were stored : in a storage area in the basement . Emanuel will succeed Rahm Emanuel , who held the office since Tuesday .
NEW : Barack Obama pledges to tackle `` serious new challenges '' in china . Former aide to President Barack Obama gets over half of vote to avoid a runoff . Former Chicago School Board head Gery Chico is in third place . Emanuel will succeed Rahm Emanuel , who held the office since Tuesday .