Politics & Government
Willie Wilson Makes It Official: He's Running For Chicago Mayor
Businessman and philanthropist Willie Wilson is hoping a third run for mayor will be the charm.
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.
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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.
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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.
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