A fictitious study of the personal and professional life of ruthless Chicago mayor Tom Kane (Kelsey Grammer). In the premiere episode, he is diagnosed with a neurological disease but must remain focused on his role in an upcoming gubernatorial primary while dealing with relationship woes involving his distant wife and their estranged daughter.

With a new, powerful entry in the race, Kane and his people flex their political muscles to maintain their hold. Meanwhile, a worried Meredith suspects her husband is keeping something from her.

With Zajac's campaign gathering steam, Kane needs to adjust to his health situation; Miller digs deep to come up with some embarrassing dirt on Gov. Cullen.

As Kane finds himself starting to lose control, in both his personal and professional lives, his supporters begin to question their confidence in him. Meredith visits Emma seeking answers about what's happening to Kane. Zajac ventures into uncharted territory during his campaign, while Miller digs deeper for the elusive information he needs.

Kane and his camp take on the media when long-buried information is dug up, and with the primary rapidly approaching, the politicos do everything they can to maintain the upper hand.

As his political image hits an all-time low, Kane takes a brief, unannounced break from City Hall to ask an old acquaintance for a favour. Meredith is increasingly suspicious of Kane's behaviour and seeks new opportunities of her own. Darius and Emma stumble into a dangerous situation, while Kitty reaches an emotional crossroads.

Days before the election, Kane slowly regains control over City Hall. Though a swift political move will help reveal his adversaries, will doing the unthinkable improve his public image in time?

In the last episode of season one, Kane and Stone try to work their political magic on election day, but the race proves to be a close one. Miller gives a tough team talk to his editorial staff, Kitty faces up to a difficult decision, and an incarcerated Emma finds her world starting to crumble. Meanwhile, Meredith is forced to go to great lengths to prove her loyalty and commitment to Kane.