Wilson Campaign Disputes Johnson's 5,000 Valid Petition Signatures

Dr. Willie Wilson’s campaign estimates that only about 5,000 of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s nominating petition signatures are valid. This figure falls short of the 12,500 signatures required for a candidate to appear on the Chicago mayoral ballot.

The Wilson campaign has asked election officials to review Johnson’s petition sheets. They claim their inspection found irregularities that violate election law. These alleged issues include petition sheets bearing the name of Chicago Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin. The team also identified dozens of sheets that appear to be duplicates.

“There is a process to become a candidate for Mayor of Chicago, and everyone should be required to follow that process,” Wilson said in a statement. “Our review has identified serious irregularities that deserve a thorough examination. Election laws must be applied fairly and consistently to every candidate, regardless of who they are or what office they currently hold.”

The campaign is urging officials to determine if Johnson submitted enough valid signatures to qualify for the ballot. “Voters deserve confidence that every candidate has followed the same rules,” Wilson added. “That means verifying the signatures, reviewing the questionable petition sheets and ensuring that the law is enforced equally.”

Fox Chicago contacted Mayor Johnson’s campaign for comment but was still waiting for a response as of Monday. The Chicago mayoral election is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2027.