IL-COMPT: Four candidates are running in the Democratic primary for Illinois Comptroller on March 17

Four candidates are running in the Democratic primary for Illinois Comptroller on March 17, 2026: Margaret Croke (D), Stephanie Kifowit (D), Holly Kim (D), and Karina Villa (D).

Incumbent Susana Mendoza (D), who took office in 2016, is not running for re-election. The Chicago Tribune's Rick Pearson and Jeremy Gorrner wrote that Mendoza's retirement "creates a statewide office opening in the already competitive 2026 election."

The state comptroller's office manages finances, pension funds, and reports on the state’s fiscal condition.

Croke was elected to the state House in 2020. She is campaigning to modernize the office, and says she wants to create a system "where anyone could see where in the life cycle public dollars are from when they are appropriated... to when the Comptroller’s Office pays the bill." Croke says her legislative experience makes her qualified: "We all have seen bills pass, and we’ve seen bills blow up, and it’s because of your relationships... I feel really confident about my ability to... steer the ship in the right direction.”



https://news.ballotpedia.org/2026/02/27/four-candidates-are-running-in-the-democratic-primary-for-illinois-comptroller-on-march-17/