Without explanation, Mayor Rahm Emanuel's campaign announced Wednesday a challenge of Dr. Willie Wilson's candidacy petitions had been withdrawn.
"We look forward to his participation in this election as each candidate presents their ideas for moving our city forward for every Chicagoan," a statement from Emanuel campaign spokesman Steve Mayberry said.
The mayor had challenged the validity of thousands of Wilson's nominating papers after the businessman came up with 43,000 signatures in just five days. Candidates need 12,500 valid signatures to qualify for a spot on the election ballot and Emanuel’s campaign says 35,000 of Wilson’s 43,000 signatures should be tossed out.
Wilson said the challenge was racially motivated.
“They know a wealthy, successful African American man will put other candidates, Bob Fioretti, and Jesus ‘Chuy’ Garcia, into a run-off and that is something that Mayor Rahm Emanuel does not want to do,” Wilson’s attorney Frank Avila told NBC Chicago earlier this month.
The election is Feb. 24, 2015.
