Willie Wilson Plans To Give Away Another $1 million In Gas Saturday

CHICAGO — Willie Wilson is giving away gasoline again.

The businessman, philanthropist and perennial political candidate, who recently announced his intention to make a third run for mayor, announced he will give away another $1 million of gasoline at yet-to-be-revealed fill-up stations on Saturday.

Wilson has already given away $1.2 million in gasoline since prices at the pump have skyrocketed due in part to the Russia invasion of Ukraine. His act of charity came with a challenge to Illinois elected officials who he has called on to provide additional relief to drivers.

Since then, Mayor Lori Lightfoot has pitched a plan to give away $12.5 million in gas cards and transit credits, and Gov. J.B. Pritzker pressed pause on a scheduled gas tax increase.

On Tuesday, Wilson said people should be "accountable to our next-door neighbor, for those of us who can afford to do so. We will continue to give. This is not a political thing."

Some of Wilson's critics disagree, and have accused him of giving away gasoline to curry the favor of voters. Wilson said he has been giving to people around the country in need since 1996, and doesn't plan to stop.