Chicago businessman and mayoral candidate Willie Wilson announced he will be giving away another $1 million in gas this Saturday, a move that will provide some relief for city motorists but also, once again, raises thorny questions about Wilson providing handouts to potential voters.
In March, Wilson gave away $1.2 million in free gas over two events at several city and suburban gas stations. Citing skyrocketing gasoline prices in recent months, Wilson — who has a history of practicing sometimes unorthodox, grassroots philanthropy — said he is just trying to help struggling residents.
But this most recent gas giveaway announcement on Tuesday comes just one week after Wilson formally declared his intention in 2023 to succeed Lori Lightfoot as Chicago’s mayor, the third time Wilson will be a Chicago mayoral candidate.
