Croke leading crowded field for Democratic nod in comptroller race

Margaret Croke is leading in the Democratic primary for Illinois comptroller, with Karina Villa in second, Holly Kim third and Stephanie Kifowit last.

Croke is leading Villa by 2.3 percentage points with 88% of the state’s precincts reporting.

All four are vying to replace Susana Mendoza, who chose not to seek reelection and is contemplating a run for Chicago mayor after 10 years as the state’s chief financial officer.

Croke, a Chicago resident, benefited from an endorsement by Gov. JB Pritzker and was the primary’s top campaign fundraiser. She had served in Pritzker’s administration as deputy chief of staff at the Department of Commerce and Economic Development before becoming a state representative in 2021. She wants to modernize the office, which is already undergoing a technology upgrade.

Villa, a West Chicago resident and current state senator, received endorsements from many progressive politicians, including Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. Her $1.4 million fundraising campaign included a significant donation from the Chicago Teachers Union. She often refers to the state’s budget as a “moral document” and said she require state vendors disclose “ICE, Department of Homeland Security and Border Patrol contracts and subcontracting relationships.”

Kim, Lake County’s current treasurer, was endorsed by Mendoza late in the campaign. She said her experience managing Lake County’s checkbook set her apart from the other candidates vying for comptroller this cycle. Kim said she would focus on increasing transparency in the office and protecting Illinois residents’ personal information.

Kifowit touted her experience working with comptrollers from both parties during her 13 years as a state legislator. The Oswego resident is a former Aurora alderwoman who worked in the private sector as a financial adviser also.

All four candidates said they would safeguard against federal government overreach and protect state finances as the Trump administration continues to attack the state’s social service programs that rely on federal funding.

The winner of Tuesday’s primary will face Republican Bryan Drew, a downstate attorney who was the only GOP candidate to file for the office.