Chicago mayoral candidate Willie Wilson announced his 3rd $1 million gas giveaway

Chicagoans can get free gas this Saturday in locations throughout Cook County.

Photo by Antonio Janeski on Unsplash

(CHICAGO) Though the exact locations have not yet been announced as of Wednesday morning, Chicagoans can expect to receive free gas at about 50 locations around Cook County this Saturday, thanks to local businessman and mayoral candidate Willie Wilson.

"People are really hurting out here in terms of trying to survive, trying to be able to pay rent, trying to buy groceries and we're just trying to play our part as well," Wilson said in his statement.

The hardships of high gas prices in Chicago

In a press release issued last week, Wilson discussed the hardship of soaring gas prices on the people of Chicago. "The city has not suspended its gas tax, the state has kept its gas tax at 39 cents a gallon, and the country has not acted at all. Our citizens are struggling with the highest inflation and food prices in 40 years," Wilson said.

It's the third recent gas giveaway from Wilson. He held two in March at gas stations across the city and surrounding suburbs.

Wilson announces bid for mayor

On April 11, Wilson announced his run for mayor, saying in a press release, "After meeting with thousands of people and holding four town hall meetings across the city, I have decided that my vision for a safer, inclusive, and prosperous city is needed at this time."

Three years ago, Wilson was also in the crowded mayoral race, finishing fourth overall and winning 10.6% of the vote.

Mixing politics with giveaways

A recent article in the Chicago Tribune raised some questions regarding whether there may be conflicting issues between Wilson's gas giveaways and his mayoral campaign. Vote buying is, of course, illegal.

But Wilson explained that he has been consistent with his philanthropy over the past 25 years. He was cleared of violating election law four years ago when he had been accused of mixing his politics with his charity work.

Mayor Lightfoot proposed gas card giveaway

Wilson is expected to run against Mayor Lori Lightfoot in the 2023 election, although Mayor Lightfoot has not yet announced her reelection campaign. She is, however, actively raising money.

Lightfoot has proposed a gas giveaway herself in the form of gas cards and Ventra cards distributed to residents experiencing "high-mobility hardship."

Watch for details

For full details of the upcoming gas giveaway locations, residents can stay updated by following Wilson's social media pages.

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