Willie Wilson Endorses Willie Preston in 2nd Congressional District Race (Chicago, IL) – Businessman and perennial political candidate Willie Wilson on Tuesday threw his support behind Illinois Sen. Willie Preston in the crowded race for the Second Congressional District seat.
The endorsement comes as candidates line up to succeed U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, who announced she will not seek reelection.
Wilson, a former Chicago mayoral and U.S. Senate candidate, praised Preston’s working-class roots and independence from party insiders.
“Like me, Senator Preston worked for everything he got. Like me, he started with a mop in his hand and is focused on building real economic opportunities for our communities. And, like me, he does not wait for permission to speak his mind or do what is right,” Wilson said.
Preston, a Democrat who represents Illinois’ 16th Senate District, chairs the Illinois Senate Legislative Black Caucus. Before entering politics, he worked as a union janitor, butcher, and carpenter. The Englewood native and father of six has degrees from Chicago State and Roosevelt universities.
In his statement, Wilson emphasized Preston’s potential to push for economic development in Chicago, the South Suburbs, and central Illinois.
Wilson, a self-made millionaire and owner of a medical supply company, has long positioned himself as a champion for working-class voters. He is also known as a gospel singer and bandleader.
The Second District, which stretches from Chicago’s South Side through the Southland and into central Illinois, is expected to be one of the most closely watched Democratic primaries in the state.
Willie Wilson Endorses Willie Preston in 2nd Congressional District Race
