U.S. Senate candidate Willie Wilson tests positive for COVID-19, has 'mild' symptoms
U.S. Senate candidate Willie Wilson, 72, announced Thursday he tested positive for COVID-19.
"I am experiencing mild symptoms at this time. However, I am confident that we will beat COVID-19," the Chicagoan said in a statement. "While we have taken precautions by wearing face masks and social distancing, this disease is highly contagious."
Wilson said he was quarantining and suspending all in-person campaigning for the next 10 days.
Wilson has been highly critical of incumbent Sen. Dick Durbin, a Springfield Democrat. He is running an independent against Durbin and Republican Mark Curran, former sheriff of Lake County.
Wilson, the owner of Omar Medical Supplies, has run twice for mayor of Chicago and has a doctor of divinity degree.
"I believe in America and our ability to overcome COVID-19," he said. "This is a disease that does not discriminate. I join the ranks of the more than 7 million people in America that have tested positive."