Willie Wilson Makes It Official: He's Running For Chicago Mayor

Chicago IL

11 April, 2022

7:56 PM

Description

CHICAGO — Willie Wilson is hoping a third campaign for Chicago mayor will be the charm. On Monday, the businessman and philanthropist announced his intention to run for mayor in February 2023 backed by a $5 million self-financed campaign. "I am running," Wilson told reporters Monday. Wilson backed Mayor Lori Lightfoot in the 2019 run-off election. On Tuesday, he said that decision was a "hell of a mistake." Wilson ran for mayor in 205 and 2019, getting about 10 percent of the vote but falling short of making the run-off election. He made a failed run for president in 2016 and lost his bid for U.S. Senate in 2020. On Monday, Wilson said his campaign will focus on fighting crime and improving education. Lightfoot has hinted, but not formally announced, plans to run for re-election. Last week, Ald. Raymond Lopez, Lightfoot's most outspoken City Council critic, declared his intention to run for mayor. In January, Frederick Collins, a veteran Chicago cop, announced plans to run for mayor.