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'''Willie Wilson''' (born June 16, 1948)<ref>[http://www.thehistorymakers.com/biography/willie-l-wilson-41 BusinessMakers, MusicMakers - Willie L. Wilson] The HistoryMakers. July 16, 2008. Accessed June 4, 2015.</ref> is an American businessman and [[perennial candidate]] from [[Chicago, Illinois]]. He unsuccessfully ran in the [[2015 Chicago mayoral election|2015]], [[2019 Chicago mayoral election|2019]], and [[2023 Chicago mayoral election|2023]] Chicago mayoral elections, the [[2016 United States presidential election]], and for the [[United States Senate]] in [[2020 United States Senate election in Illinois|2020]].
'''Willie Wilson''' (born June 16, 1948)<ref>[http://www.thehistorymakers.com/biography/willie-l-wilson-41 BusinessMakers, MusicMakers - Willie L. Wilson] The HistoryMakers. July 16, 2008. Accessed June 4, 2015.</ref> is an American businessman and [[perennial candidate]] from [[Chicago, Illinois]]. He unsuccessfully ran in the [[2015 Chicago mayoral election|2015]], [[2019 Chicago mayoral election|2019]], and [[2023 Chicago mayoral election|2023]] Chicago mayoral elections, the [[2016 United States presidential election]], and for the [[United States Senate]] in [[2020 United States Senate election in Illinois|2020]].


Wilson has owned and operated several different [[McDonald's]] restaurant franchises and owns Omar Medical Supplies, which imports and distributes latex gloves and other medical and safety supplies and equipment.<ref name="HeadsToIA">[http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/7/71/652695/white-house-sights-willie-wilson-heads-iowa With White House in his sights, Willie Wilson heads to Iowa] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604011623/http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/7/71/652695/white-house-sights-willie-wilson-heads-iowa |date=2015-06-04 }} ''[[Chicago Sun Times]]''. June 1, 2015. Accessed June 3, 2015.</ref><ref>[http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-willie-wilson-chicago-mayor-met-0213-20150212-story.html#page=1 Willie Wilson selling up-by-the-bootstraps story in Chicago mayor race] Chicago Tribune. February 13, 2015. Accessed June 3, 2015.</ref> He also produces the nationally syndicated [[gospel music]] television program ''Singsation'', which won a [[Chicago / Midwest Emmy Awards|Chicago/Midwest Emmy Award]] in 2012.<ref name="HeadsToIA"/><ref name=redeye1>[http://www.redeyechicago.com/news/redeye-elections-chicago-mayoral-candidate-willie-wilson-profile-20150211-story.html Meet mayoral candidate Willie Wilson, the anti-politician] ''[[RedEye]]''. February 11, 2015. Accessed June 6, 2015.</ref><ref name="sharecropper'sson">{{cite web |title=Sharecropper's son turned successful businessman, Wilson wants 'equal opportunity for all' |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2015/2/9/18463311/sharecropper-s-son-turned-successful-businessman-wilson-wants-equal-opportunity-for-all |website=Chicago Sun-Times |access-date=5 March 2020 |language=en |date=9 February 2015}}</ref>
Wilson has owned and operated several different [[McDonald's]] restaurant franchises and owns Omar Medical Supplies, which imports and distributes latex gloves and other medical and safety supplies and equipment.<ref name="HeadsToIA">[http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/7/71/652695/white-house-sights-willie-wilson-heads-iowa With White House in his sights, Willie Wilson heads to Iowa] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150604011623/http://chicago.suntimes.com/news/7/71/652695/white-house-sights-willie-wilson-heads-iowa |date=2015-06-04 }} ''[[Chicago Sun Times]]''. June 1, 2015. Accessed June 3, 2015.</ref><ref>[http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-willie-wilson-chicago-mayor-met-0213-20150212-story.html#page=1 Willie Wilson selling up-by-the-bootstraps story in Chicago mayor race] Chicago Tribune. February 13, 2015. Accessed June 3, 2015.</ref> He also produces the nationally syndicated [[gospel music]] television program ''Singsation'', which won a [[Chicago / Midwest Emmy Awards|Chicago/Midwest Emmy Award]] in 2012.<ref name="HeadsToIA"/><ref name=redeye1>[http://www.redeyechicago.com/news/redeye-elections-chicago-mayoral-candidate-willie-wilson-profile-20150211-story.html Meet mayoral candidate Willie Wilson, the anti-politician] ''[[RedEye]]''. February 11, 2015. Accessed June 6, 2015.</ref><ref name="sharecropper'sson">{{cite web |title=Sharecropper's son turned successful businessman, Wilson wants 'equal opportunity for all' |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2015/2/9/18463311/sharecropper-s-son-turned-successful-businessman-wilson-wants-equal-opportunity-for-all |website=Chicago Sun-Times |access-date=5 March 2020 |language=en |date=9 February 2015}}</ref>

Revision as of 08:23, 20 August 2024

Willie Wilson
Wilson in 2015
Personal details
Born (1948-06-16) June 16, 1948 (age 76)
Gilbert, Louisiana, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
(before 2020)
Willie Wilson Party (2020–present)
WebsiteCampaign website

Willie Wilson (born June 16, 1948)[1] is an American businessman and perennial political candidate from Chicago, Illinois. He unsuccessfully ran in the 2015, 2019, and 2023 Chicago mayoral elections, the 2016 United States presidential election, and for the United States Senate in 2020.

Wilson has owned and operated several different McDonald's restaurant franchises and owns Omar Medical Supplies, which imports and distributes latex gloves and other medical and safety supplies and equipment.[2][3] He also produces the nationally syndicated gospel music television program Singsation, which won a Chicago/Midwest Emmy Award in 2012.[2][4][5]

Early life and education

Wilson was born the son of a sharecropper in Louisiana.[5]

Wilson completed a seventh grade education[6][7] before dropping out of primary school.[8]

Wilson later received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Mt. Carmel Theological Seminary and an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Chicago Baptist Institute International.[9]

Wilson left home at age thirteen, and began his working life earning twenty cents per hour working in cotton and sugar cane fields.[10]

Wilson lived for periods of time in Miami and New York City, before settling in Chicago in 1965.[10]

Wilson worked various jobs once he moved to Chicago, before being hired to mop floors and flip burgers at a McDonald's.[10] He worked his way up, being eventually promoted to manager, and later receiving a loan to become a McDonald's franchisee, thus starting his business career.[10]

Business career

In his career as a businessman, Wilson owned five McDonald's franchises (which he subsequently sold) and started a medical-supply company.[5][10] He also produced the nationally syndicated gospel music television program Singsation[2][4]

He has served as the founder and Chairman of the Board of Omar Medical Supplies, Inc.[10][6]

Wilson served on the Board of Chicago Baptist Institute.[6]

Political career

Wilson served as the Chairman of the Governor's Task Force on Fair Practices in Contracting.[6] In 2014, Illinois Governor-elect Bruce Rauner appointed Wilson to his transition team.[11] Wilson has contended in 5 elections in the United States.

2015 Chicago mayoral campaign

See also: 2015 Chicago mayoral election
Map showing Wilson's 2015 vote share, by ward, darker shades indicate higher vote percentages

Wilson ran for Mayor of Chicago in 2015, being one of several challengers to incumbent mayor Rahm Emanuel.

Wilson collected 43,000 signatures for his candidature petition within five days. Emanuel issued a challenge to the validity of signatures collected.[12] Emanuel ultimately dropped his challenge to Wilson's petition.[13]

Wilson staked out a number of positions, including advocating for bringing a casino to Chicago and restoring Meigs Field (on Northerly Island) as an airport.[10] Wilson was critical of Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy, and pledged to fire him if elected mayor.[10] Wilson was also critical of Chicago Public Schools school closures which had taken place under Emanuel.[10]

Wilson placed third in a five-candidate race with 50,960 votes, equal 10.66% of the votes cast.[14][15][16]

Wilson's endorsement in the runoff was actively sought by both candidates Rahm Emanuel and Jesús "Chuy" García.[17] Wilson endorsed García.[18][19]

2016 U.S. presidential campaign

Willie Wilson 2016
Campaign2016 United States presidential election
CandidateWillie Wilson
AffiliationDemocratic Party
StatusDropped Out
Headquarters345 E. Wacker Unit 4601, Chicago, IL 60601[20]
Key peopleAndre Fair campaign treasurer
ReceiptsUS$1,100,421 (5/06/2016[20])
SloganWe Still Believe
Website
Archive of Official website
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Willie Wilson.

After setting up an exploratory committee on May 11, 2015, Wilson officially announced on June 1, 2015, that he would be running as a candidate for President of the United States in the 2016 election. He ran as a Democrat.[2][21][22][23]

The Wilson campaign was the first presidential campaign, Democratic or Republican, to buy advertisements in the state of Iowa.[24]

Wilson was on the ballot in several states during the 2016 Democratic primaries. He was the only minor candidate to appear on the ballot in South Carolina's "First in the South" primaries, perhaps due to the comparatively higher cost of the state's ballot entry fee.[25] Wilson received 1,314 votes, or 0.35% of the total, in South Carolina, placing ahead of Former Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley. Wilson dropped out on April 12, 2016.[26]

In the general election, Wilson voted for Republican nominee Donald Trump.[27]

More information
Map demonstrating the ballot access of Wilson's campaign
Legend:
  On ballot
  On ballot as other
  Not on ballot
Map of third-place finishes in Democratic primaries and caucuses
Legend:
  Steve Burke
  Rocky De La Fuente
  Paul T. Farrell Jr.
  Martin O'Malley
  Willie Wilson
  Uncommitted
  No third place candidate
Wilson speaking at the 2016 Scott County, Iowa Democratic Party Dinner

Detailed below are the FEC-filed finances of Willie Wilson 2016 as of 5/6/2016[20]

Receipts
Financial Source Amount (USD)
Federal Funds 0
Itemized Individual Contributions 28,685
Unitemized Individual Contributions 6,705
Party Committees Contributions 0
Other Committees Contributions 0
Total Contributions 35,390
Transfers from Authorized Committees 0
Candidate Loans 1,055,100
Other Loans 0
Total Loans 1,055,100
Offsets to Operating Expenditures 9,931
Fundraising Offsets 0
Legal and Accounting Offsets 0
Total Offsets 9,857
Other Receipts 0
Total Receipts 1,100,421
Disbursements
Disbursements Amount (USD)
Operating Expenditures 1,055,444
Transfers To Authorized Committees 0
Fundraising 0
Exempt Legal and Accounting 0
Candidate Loan Repayments 11,627
Other Loan Repayments 0
Total Loan Repayments 11,627
Individual Contribution Refunds 0
Political Party Contribution Refunds 0
Other Committee Contribution Refunds 0
Total Contribution Refunds 0
Other Disbursements 33,350
Total Disbursements 1,100,421
Cash Summary
Category Amount (USD)
Beginning Cash On Hand 0
Current Cash On Hand 0
Net Contributions 35,390
Net Operating Expenditures 1,045,512
Debts/Loans Owed By Campaign 1,043,472
Debts/Loans Owed To Campaign 0

2019 Chicago mayoral campaign

See also: 2019 Chicago mayoral election

In March 2018, Wilson formally announced that he would run a second time for Mayor of Chicago in the 2019 mayoral election.[28]

During his campaign, Wilson generated controversy for handing out money to churchgoers. This practice of his was challenged before the Illinois State Board of Elections, which found that it did not violate any campaign finance laws since the money came from his non-profit foundation. Wilson defended his actions, declaring that his church appearances were not campaign-related, and that he was not buying votes.[29] He continued this practice after the decision by the Board of Elections.[30]

During the campaign, in late November 2018, Wilson declared that he believed that other black candidates needed, "to get out of the way."[31]

Wilson launched challenges to the candidature petitions of several black candidates,[31] including Roger Washington,[31] Ja'Mal Green,[31] Neal Sales-Griffin,[32] and Dorothy Brown.[32] At the last minute, Wilson moved to drop his challenge to Sales-Griffin's and Brown's petitions. Brown was still removed from the ballot due to Toni Preckwinkle maintaining her challenge to Brown's petition, but Sales-Griffin was allowed to be included on the ballot.[32] Chicago Electoral Board Chair Marisel Hernandez chastised the Wilson campaign for its political maneuvers regarding ballot challenges.[32]

Wilson was endorsed by the Cook County Republican Party.[33]

Wilson failed to make it to the runoff, placing fourth with 59,072 votes, equal 10.61% of vote cast.[34][35][36] Wilson performed very well on the West and South sides of the city.[37] Despite placing fourth, Wilson had a plurality of the vote in more wards than any other candidate (he came first in thirteen wards).[36][38][39][40] The thirteen wards that Wilson carried a plurality of the vote in were all predominately black (these being thirteen out of the total of eighteen wards in the city that are predominately black).[41]

Again, Wilson's endorsement was actively sought by both candidates in the runoff.[42] Wilson endorsed Lori Lightfoot.[43][44][45]

2020 U.S. Senate campaign

See also: 2020 United States Senate election in Illinois

In August 2019, Wilson expressed his intention to challenge incumbent United States Senator from Illinois Dick Durbin in 2020, running in the general election as an independent challenger to Durbin.[46] Rather than run as an independent, he ultimately opted to run under the ballot line of his newly created "Willie Wilson Party".[47]

Wilson received the support of three current and former Chicago aldermen, as well as that of the Fraternal Order of Police.[48]

Wilson received 4% of the vote statewide, finishing in a distant third place. His highest support came from the majority-black wards of Chicago where he had done well in both his mayoral campaigns. Totaling up all 18 of Chicago's majority-black wards, Wilson garnered 18.5% of the vote, well ahead of Republican Mark Curran, who received only 4%, but still far behind Durbin who received 75.9%.[48]

2023 Chicago mayoral campaign

See also: 2023 Chicago mayoral election

Wilson launched a third campaign to become the Mayor of Chicago. Wilson is running as an independent, as Chicago hosts non-partisan elections. In the winter, Wilson donated various resources to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to high inflation, Wilson organized various gas giveaways[49] and food donations.[50]

Wilson’s campaign cited key issues in his platform as being small businesses, increasing safety, and ‘rebuilding’ Chicago.[51] Wilson advocated for increased safety on public transport,[52] crime reduction, tax reduction,[53] and opposing corruption. He also supported the abolishment of red-light traffic cameras,[54] parking meter reform,[55] and other issues.

Wilson accused incumbent mayor Lori Lightfoot of mismanagement, especially relating to gas prices and economic reinvigoration. He also called out corruption in the city, and said some officials were “out of touch” with the public.[56] Wilson criticized earlier decisions to implement previous safety measures amid the COVID-19 pandemic that had the impact of temporary prohibiting church gatherings.[57]

Describing himself as "pro policeman", Wilson stood in opposition to rules and regulations that he regards as hindering the police's ability to combat crime. At one mayoral debate, Wilson declared that the city should, "Take the handcuffs off the policy, [sic] put them on people that's actually doing [crime]," and that those who flee police should be, "hunted down like rabbits".[58] Wilson spoke positively of the Chicago Police Department.[57]

Wilson was considered to be the only of the nine candidates on the ballot not to be affiliated with the Democratic Party, though the election is officially nonpartisan.[59]

In the initial round of the election, Wilson was defeated, placing fifth of nine candidates with 49,248 votes (9.57% of the election's overall vote). A week after the first round, Wilson subsequently endorsed Paul Vallas in the runoff election.[60]

Personal life

Wilson is married to Janette Wilson. As of 2023, he lives in Chicago's downtown.[8]

Wilson's son Omar, who was involved in gangs and drug dealing, was shot and killed at the age of 20.[10]

In early October 2020, Wilson tested positive for COVID-19.[61]

Political positions

Wilson self-identifies as an independent Democrat.[27]

In the 2016 United States Presidential general election, Wilson personally voted for Republican nominee Donald Trump.[27] When asked in 2019 about his possible vote in the 2020 election, Wilson declared, "I am not going to vote, nor will I ever vote again, for President Trump."[27]

During the COVID-19 pandemic in Illinois, Wilson advocated that churches should be allowed to hold in-person services despite the state's stay-at-home order.[62]

In his 2023 mayoral campaign, Wilson described himself as "pro policeman".[58]

Economic policy

Wilson stated in 2019 that he believes the spending of tax money has "not proportionately benefited all races of citizens," in Illinois.[27]

LGBTQ rights

Wilson tweeted in response to the Obergefell v. Hodges decision, “I disagree with what I consider the Supreme Court’s reinterpretation of what constitutes marriage. Marriage has and should always be that sacred union between a man and a woman. Period."[63] However, in 2018, Wilson declared that he had changed his mind on the issue of same-sex marriage, declaring that he now believes that, "everybody is entitled to do whatever they want to do and be with whoever they want to be."[63]

In a 2018 interview with the Chicago Sun-Times, Wilson stated that his upbringing in the Deep South had made it difficult for him to understand the LGBTQ community, but that he was "reaching out" and seeking to "learn".[63]

Electoral history

Mayoral

2015 Chicago mayoral election
Candidate General Election[64] Runoff Election[65]
Votes % Votes %
Rahm Emanuel (incumbent) 218,217 45.63 332,171 56.23
Jesús "Chuy" García 160,414 33.55 258,562 43.77
Willie Wilson 50,960 10.66
Robert W. "Bob" Fioretti 35,363 7.39
William "Dock" Walls, III 13,250 2.77
Write-ins 52 0.01
Total 478,256 100 590,733 100
2019 Chicago mayoral election
Candidate General Election[66] Runoff Election[67]
Votes % Votes %
Lori Lightfoot 97,667 17.54 386,039 73.70
Toni Preckwinkle 89,343 16.04 137,765 26.30
William Daley 82,294 14.78
Willie Wilson 59,072 10.61
Susana Mendoza 50,373 9.05
Amara Enyia 44,589 8.00
Jerry Joyce 40,099 7.20
Gery Chico 34,521 6.20
Paul Vallas 30,236 5.43
Garry McCarthy 14,784 2.66
La Shawn K. Ford 5,606 1.01
Robert "Bob" Fioretti 4,302 0.77
John Kolzar 2,349 0.42
Neal Sales-Griffin 1,523 0.27
Write-ins 86 0.02
Total 556,844 100 523,804 100
2023 Chicago mayoral election
Candidate General election[68] Runoff election[69]
Votes % Votes %
Brandon Johnson 122,093 21.63 319,481 52.16
Paul Vallas 185,743 32.90 293,033 47.84
Lori Lightfoot (incumbent) 94,890 16.81
Chuy García 77,222 13.68
Willie Wilson 51,567 9.13
Ja'Mal Green 12,257 2.17
Kam Buckner 11,092 1.96
Sophia King 7,191 1.27
Roderick Sawyer 2,440 0.43
Write-ins 29 0.00
Total 564,524 100.00 612,514 100.00

2016 Democratic presidential primaries

Primaries and Caucus Results
Date Contest Votes Place Percent Delegates Source(s)
February 1 Iowa caucusA 0 N/A 0.00 0 The Green Papers
February 27 South Carolina primary 1,314 3rd of 4 0.35 0 The Green Papers
March 1 Texas primary 3,254 5th of 8 0.23 0 The Green Papers
March 5 Louisiana primary 1,423 6th of 10 0.46 0 The Green Papers
March 8 Mississippi primary 919 3rd of 5 0.40 0 The Green Papers
March 15 Illinois primary 6,565 3rd of 8 0.32 0 The Green Papers
Missouri primary 307 8th of 10B 0.05 0 The Green Papers
June 7 California primary 10,544 3rd of 7 0.24 0 The Green Papers
North Dakota caucus 0 0.00 0 The Green Papers
Total (Current) 25,796 8thC 0.08 0 The Green Papers
A.^ On ballot as other
B.^ Counting Uncommitted as having placed 3rd
C.^ Counting Uncommitted, No Preference, and scattering, respectively, as placing 4th, 6th, and 7th

United States Senate

2020 United States Senate election in Illinois[70]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Dick Durbin (incumbent) 3,278,930 54.93
Republican Mark Curran 2,319,870 38.87
Willie Wilson Party Willie Wilson 237,699 3.98
Libertarian Danny Malouf 75,673 1.27
Green David Black 55,711 0.95
Write-in 18 0.00
Total votes 5,968,901 100

See also

References

  1. ^ BusinessMakers, MusicMakers - Willie L. Wilson The HistoryMakers. July 16, 2008. Accessed June 4, 2015.
  2. ^ a b c d With White House in his sights, Willie Wilson heads to Iowa Archived 2015-06-04 at the Wayback Machine Chicago Sun Times. June 1, 2015. Accessed June 3, 2015.
  3. ^ Willie Wilson selling up-by-the-bootstraps story in Chicago mayor race Chicago Tribune. February 13, 2015. Accessed June 3, 2015.
  4. ^ a b Meet mayoral candidate Willie Wilson, the anti-politician RedEye. February 11, 2015. Accessed June 6, 2015.
  5. ^ a b c "Sharecropper's son turned successful businessman, Wilson wants 'equal opportunity for all'". Chicago Sun-Times. February 9, 2015. Retrieved March 5, 2020.
  6. ^ a b c d "Willie L. Wilson, candidate for mayor". Chicago Sun-Times. January 28, 2019. Retrieved March 5, 2020.
  7. ^ Zorn, Eric (December 26, 2018). "Is there a *real* doctor in the house?". chicagotribune.com. Chicago Tribune. Retrieved March 5, 2020.
  8. ^ a b Pratt, Gregory (January 24, 2023). "Chicago mayoral candidate profile: Willie Wilson". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved January 30, 2023.
  9. ^ "Chicago Mayor Candidate: Willie Wilson". ABC7 Chicago. WLS-TV. January 25, 2019. Retrieved March 5, 2020.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Vivanco, Leonor (February 11, 2019). "Meet mayoral candidate Willie Wilson, the anti-politician". chicagotribune.com. Chicago Tribune. Retrieved April 11, 2020.
  11. ^ Vivanco, Leonor (February 11, 2015). "Meet mayoral candidate Willie Wilson, the anti-politician". chicagotribune.com. Chicago Tribune. Retrieved April 11, 2020.
  12. ^ "Willie Wilson Says Rahm Challenged His Own Signature on Petition". NBC Chicago. December 19, 2014. Retrieved April 11, 2020.
  13. ^ Pearson, Rick (December 24, 2014). "Mayor Emanuel drops challenge to petitions of rival Willie Wilson". chicagotribune.com. Chicago Tribune. Retrieved April 11, 2020.
  14. ^ 2015 Municipal General - 2/24/15 -- Mayor Archived 2018-12-07 at the Wayback Machine Chicago Board of Elections Commissioners. Accessed June 3, 2015.
  15. ^ Chicago businessman Willie Wilson ready to challenge Emanuel in mayor's race WLS-TV. November 19, 2014. Accessed June 3, 2015.
  16. ^ Race for Chicago Mayor: Willie Wilson says Emanuel is ‘an old snake in new skin’ WGN-TV February 18, 2015. June 3, 2015.
  17. ^ Kim, Katie (February 28, 2015). "Emanuel, Garcia Court Wilson's Endorsement". NBC Chicago. Retrieved November 30, 2019.
  18. ^ Willie Wilson: Not even President Obama could convince me to back Rahm[permanent dead link] Chicago Sun Times. June 1, 2015. Accessed June 3, 2015.
  19. ^ Key Chicago Figure, Despite a Plea by Obama, Gives a Lift to Emanuel’s Rival The New York Times. March 12, 2015. Accessed June 3, 2015.
  20. ^ a b c "Details for Committee ID : P60007515". www.fec.gov. Retrieved May 28, 2016.
  21. ^ Willie Wilson, third in Chicago mayor's race, exploring presidential run Chicago Tribune. May 12, 2015. Accessed June 3, 2015.
  22. ^ Willie Wilson Throws Hat In the Ring to Bid for President Archived 2015-10-16 at the Wayback Machine Chicago Defender. May 12, 2015. Accessed June 3, 2015.
  23. ^ Chicago businessman Willie Wilson running for president Archived June 4, 2015, at the Wayback Machine WGN-TV. June 1, 2015. Accessed June 3, 2015.
  24. ^ Thomas, Charles (January 31, 2016). "CHICAGO'S WILLIE WILSON DRUMS UP SUPPORT IN IOWA CAUCUS". WLS-TV. American Broadcasting Company. Retrieved May 30, 2016. The Iowa caucuses are just one day away and all of the big-name candidates are prepping for the first official contest of the 2016 presidential race. Among the Democratic candidates is Chicago businessman Willie Wilson. "We keep going. We're here to stay. We're not going anywhere," Wilson said Sunday. While fellow Democratic contenders Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders have been exchanging jabs about who is the most electable to the White House, Wilson said the National Democratic Party is doing everything it can to stop him from getting traction. "I been turned down eight different times from speaking in Iowa, that's including the debates," Wilson said. Wilson, who is a millionaire, was the first candidate in either party with television ads in Iowa, spending hundreds of thousands of his own dollars. "We're not accepting any money from major corporations," he said. "I'm financing this here 99.9 percent of my own money." His staff blames the Hillary Clinton operatives for silencing and keeping Wilson off the ballot in southern states where African-American voters could be the difference. "He will split the vote between Hillary Clinton and Dr. Willie Wilson and they don't want that," said Nina Morris, of the Wilson campaign. However, Chicago-based political consultant Delmarie Cobb--a Clinton supporter--said the Wilson campaign's disorganization is its worst enemy: "He did not put all of his infrastructure in place," Cobb said. "So he can't necessarily blame it on the Democratic Party." Wilson--a one-time Louisiana cotton-picker who made a fortune in Chicago--still believes he can win primaries in southern states where the Democratic party is dominated by African-Americans.
  25. ^ Greenberg, Eric (February 14, 2016). "Long-shot candidates look beyond New Hampshire". MSNBC. NBC Universal. Retrieved May 30, 2016. Despite his larger reach, De La Fuente shares one thing in common with his fellow New Hampshire long shots: None of them will appear on a ballot in South Carolina's "First in the South" primaries on February 20 and 27, where the cost is far more prohibitive than last Tuesday's $1,000 entry fee. The lone South Carolina curiosity will be Willie Wilson, a self-made Chicago businessman, who will appear on the Democratic ballot along with Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders and Martin O'Malley. As in New Hampshire, the former Maryland governor's name will remain on the ballot despite having suspended his campaign after the Iowa caucuses. Wilson previously finished third in the 2015 Chicago mayoral race, and he is the longtime host of the Windy City's television gospel music show "Singsation." Reached by phone in South Carolina yesterday, Wilson said, "I'll be happy if I get 20 percent or so of the delegates … I'm hoping I can win it." Wilson, who recalls going from mopping floors at McDonald's to owning five franchises of his own, knows the road ahead will be difficult. "I believe anything is possible, but I come on this journey to work hard and have faith."
  26. ^ "Willie Wilson 2016 Committee ID-C00577916" (PDF). Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  27. ^ a b c d e Wall, Craig (September 3, 2019). "Willie Wilson announces US Senate bid, challenging Senator Dick Durbin". ABC7 Chicago. Retrieved April 9, 2020.
  28. ^ Strausburg, Chinta (March 29, 2018). "Dr. Willie Wilson throw hat into mayoral ring". Chicago Crusader. Retrieved March 30, 2018.
  29. ^ Bradley, Tahman; Dwyer, Meghan (July 22, 2018). "Board of Elections says Wilson's cash giveaway didn't violate rules". WGN-TV. Retrieved November 30, 2019.
  30. ^ Thorp, Adam (December 12, 2018). "Willie Wilson hands out more cash in church on Sunday". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved November 30, 2019.
  31. ^ a b c d Byrne, John (December 3, 2018). "Chicago mayor's race enters chaotic phase of petition challenges". chicagotribune.com. Chicago Tribune.
  32. ^ a b c d McGhee, Josh (January 24, 2019). ""A first": Mayoral hopeful Neal Sáles-Griffin on Chicago ballot despite alleged lack of valid signatures". Chicago Reporter. Retrieved April 11, 2020.
  33. ^ "Cook County GOP Endorses Chicago Mayoral Candidate". NBC Chicago. February 15, 2019. Retrieved January 10, 2020.
  34. ^ "TABULATED STATEMENT OF THE RETURNS AND PROCLAMATION OF THE RESULTS OF THE CANVASS OF THE ELECTION RETURNS FOR THE FEBRUARY 26, 2019 MUNICIPAL GENERAL ELECTION HELD IN EACH OF THE PRECINCTS IN ALL OF THE WARDS IN THE CITY OF CHICAGO" (PDF). Chicago Board of Elections. Retrieved February 20, 2020.
  35. ^ "2019 Municipal Runoffs - 4/2/19". Chicago Board of Elections. Retrieved April 17, 2019.
  36. ^ a b "2019 Municipal General - 2/26/19". Chicago Board of Elections. Retrieved February 23, 2020.
  37. ^ Bentle, Kyle (March 14, 2019). "Mayoral election results: Who won in your precinct?". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved February 12, 2020.
  38. ^ "Map of Chicago mayor election results by precinct". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved April 2, 2019.
  39. ^ McGregor, Jason; Hinz, Greg (March 1, 2019). "Mayoral election: See who won where". Crain's Chicago Business. Retrieved March 3, 2019.
  40. ^ "Chicago Election: How Every Ward Voted for Mayor". NBC Chicago. February 27, 2019. Retrieved March 3, 2019.
  41. ^ Johnson, Erick (February 28, 2019). "Lightfoot won without winning a Black ward | The Crusader Newspaper Group". The Chicago Crusader. Retrieved February 12, 2020.
  42. ^ Wall, Craig (March 1, 2019). "Lightfoot, Preckwinkle meet with Wilson seeking his endorsement". ABC7 Chicago. Retrieved November 30, 2019.
  43. ^ Spielman, Fran (March 8, 2019). "Wilson endorsement caps good week for Lightfoot's mayoral campaign". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  44. ^ Byrne, John; Perez, Juan Jr. (March 8, 2019). "Lori Lightfoot picks up endorsement from businessman Willie Wilson in mayor's race". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  45. ^ Wall, Crais (March 8, 2019). "Chicago Mayor Election 2019: Willie Wilson to endorse Lori Lightfoot". WLS-TV. Retrieved March 8, 2019.
  46. ^ Donovan, Lisa (August 30, 2019). "Chicago businessman Willie Wilson says he'll run as an independent to challenge U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin in 2020". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved November 30, 2019.
  47. ^ "Willie Wilson". Ballotpedia. Retrieved October 7, 2020.
  48. ^ a b Johnson, Erick (November 5, 2020). "Willie Wilson lost all 18 Black wards in U.S. Senate race". Retrieved December 21, 2020.
  49. ^ "Dr. Willie Wilson This Week Will Giveaway $1M in Food and Gas Discounts to Chicago Seniors. Here's Where and When". NBC Chicago. May 23, 2022. Retrieved August 28, 2022.
  50. ^ Padar, Kayleigh (August 1, 2022). "Here's Where You Can Get More Free Gas And Groceries From Willie Wilson This Week". Block Club Chicago. Retrieved August 28, 2022.
  51. ^ "Issues - Willie Wilson for Mayor of Chicago 2022". www.electwilliewilson.com. Retrieved August 28, 2022.
  52. ^ @drwilliewilson (August 10, 2022). "Crime on the CTA Trains and Buses is out of control. How many lives must be lost before city leaders get serious about protecting CTA Riders? My 6 Point Plan for CTA Safety can be found on my Facebook page or on my website at https://electwilliewilson.com. #WillieWilson, #CTASafety" (Tweet). Retrieved August 28, 2022 – via Twitter.
  53. ^ @drwilliewilson (August 17, 2022). "High taxes run people and businesses out of Chicago. The Mayor's decision to tie property taxes to inflation may result in huge bills for Chicagoans in 2023. My plan to some of our tax burdens is on my website at https://electwilliewilson.com. #WillieWilson, #LowerChiucagoTaxes" (Tweet). Retrieved August 28, 2022 – via Twitter.
  54. ^ @drwilliewilson (August 17, 2022). "Today, Chicago is a broken city. A city that relies on regressive taxes to balance its budget--like red light and speed cameras. The bag, water bottle, property taxes and other fines and fees hurt our communities. I will end these regressive taxes! #W?illieWilson" (Tweet). Retrieved August 28, 2022 – via Twitter.
  55. ^ @drwilliewilson (August 18, 2022). "The parking meter deal was one of the worst deals against citizens. Just when I thought it could not get worse, the Tribune reported that the Mayor has added more than 1,800 new parking meters. This hurts families and businesses. #WillieWilson, #ChicagoParkingMeters" (Tweet). Retrieved August 28, 2022 – via Twitter.
  56. ^ "Willie Wilson calls city officials 'out of touch' on public transit safety". Chicago Sun-Times. August 10, 2022. Retrieved August 28, 2022.
  57. ^ a b Bauer, Kelly (April 11, 2022). "Willie Wilson Running For Mayor Of Chicago". Block Club Chicago. Retrieved January 30, 2023.
  58. ^ a b McClelland, Edward Robert (January 20, 2023). "Grading the Mayoral Debate". Chicago Magazine. Retrieved January 30, 2023.
  59. ^ "Mayoral election in Chicago, Illinois (2023)". Ballotpedia. Retrieved January 30, 2023.
  60. ^ "Wilson endorses Vallas, cites concerns over tax increases, Johnson's statements on 'defunding' police". Chicago Sun-Times. March 8, 2023.
  61. ^ Wall, Craig (October 8, 2020). "Willie Wilson, U.S. Senate and former Chicago mayoral candidate, tests positive for coronavirus". ABC7 Chicago. Retrieved July 30, 2021.
  62. ^ Bauer, Kelly (May 13, 2020). "Willie Wilson Plan To Open Churches 'Ridiculous' And Puts Black Lives At Risk, Pritzker Says". Block Club Chicago. Retrieved May 19, 2020.
  63. ^ a b c Washington, Laura (December 9, 2018). "Wilson has a long way to go to win LGBTQA vote". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved March 5, 2020.
  64. ^ "TABULATED STATEMENT OF THE RETURNS AND PROCLAMATION OF THE RESULTS OF THE CANVASS OF THE ELECTION RETURNS FOR THE FEBRUARY 24, 2015 MUNICIPAL GENERAL ELECTION HELD IN EACH OF THE PRECINCTS IN ALL OF THE WARDS IN THE CITY OF CHICAGO" (PDF). Chicago Board of Elections. Retrieved February 20, 2020.
  65. ^ "TABULATED STATEMENT OF THE RETURNS AND PROCLAMATION OF THE RESULTS OF THE CANVASS OF THE ELECTION RETURNS FOR THE MUNICIPAL RUNOFF ELECTION HELD IN EACH OF THE PRECINCTS IN ALL OF THE WARDS IN THE CITY OF CHICAGO AND FOR THE SUPLEMENTARY ALDERMANIC ELECTIONS HELD IN WARDS 2, 7, 10, 11, 15, 16, 18, 20 ,21 24, 49, 31, 36, 37, 41, 43, 45, AND 26 IN THE CITY OF CHICAGO ON APRIL 7, 2015" (PDF). Chicago Board of Elections. Retrieved February 20, 2020.
  66. ^ "TABULATED STATEMENT OF THE RETURNS AND PROCLAMATION OF THE RESULTS OF THE CANVASS OF THE ELECTION RETURNS FOR THE FEBRUARY 26, 2019 MUNICIPAL GENERAL ELECTION HELD IN EACH OF THE PRECINCTS IN ALL OF THE WARDS IN THE CITY OF CHICAGO" (PDF). Chicago Board of Elections. Retrieved February 20, 2020.
  67. ^ "2019 Municipal Runoffs - 4/2/19". Chicago Board of Elections. Retrieved April 17, 2019.
  68. ^ "Tabulated Statement of the Returns and Proclamation of the Results of the Canvass of the Election Returns for the February 28, 2023 Municipal General and Alderperson Elections Held in Each of the Precincts in all the Wards in the City of Chicago" (PDF). Board of Election Commissioners for the City of Chicago. March 15, 2023. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 13, 2023. Retrieved April 13, 2023.
  69. ^ "Tabulated Statement of the Returns and Proclamation of the Results of the Canvass of the Election Returns for the Municipal Runoff Election Held in Each of the Precincts in all the Wards in the City of Chicago and for the Supplementary Alderperson Elections Held in Each of the Precincts in Wards 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 21, 24, 29, 30, 36, 43, 45, 46, and 48 in the City of Chicago on April 4, 2023" (PDF). Board of Election Commissioners for the City of Chicago. March 15, 2023. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 26, 2023. Retrieved April 26, 2023.
  70. ^ "Election Results 2020 GENERAL ELECTION". Illinois State Board of Elections. December 4, 2020. Retrieved December 4, 2020.
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