Springfield, IL – Illinois voters will choose a new comptroller in 2026, marking the first open election for the position in over a decade. The shift comes as current Comptroller Susana Mendoza sets her sights on a potential run for Chicago mayor in 2027, leaving a key statewide office up for grabs. The Democratic primary is already taking shape with a field of contenders vying for the opportunity to manage the state’s finances during a period of growing economic uncertainty.
Mendoza announced her decision not to seek reelection in July 2025, signaling the start of a competitive race for the comptroller’s office. Her departure creates an open primary for the Democratic party for a statewide constitutional office for the first time since 2018, according to Capitol News Illinois. The comptroller’s primary responsibility is ensuring the state’s bills are paid – a task Mendoza successfully navigated even during the state’s challenging two-year budget stalemate in the mid-2010s.
The Democratic Field
Four Democrats are currently competing for the nomination: State Senator Karina Villa of West Chicago, State Representative Margaret Croke of Chicago, State Representative Stephanie Kifowit of Oswego and Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim. Each candidate has been outlining their vision for the office and addressing the state’s financial challenges. The candidates recently participated in a forum at the Des Plaines Public Library on February 6, 2026, and at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition in Chicago’s Kenwood neighborhood on November 18, 2025, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Representative Kifowit, who has served in the General Assembly since 2013, is emphasizing her experience as a Marine Corps veteran and a former financial advisor. Villa, Croke, and Kim are also presenting their qualifications and policy proposals to voters. Bryan Drew is running unopposed for the Republican nomination, setting up a potential general election matchup.
Potential Chicago Mayoral Race
The open comptroller seat is a direct result of Mendoza’s ambition to challenge for the Chicago mayoralty in 2027. Current Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is facing challenges, with his popularity described as “barely above Meghan Markle levels” by Chicago Magazine. This has spurred speculation about potential challengers, and Mendoza is considered a serious contender.
Meanwhile, Alexi Giannoulias, the current Illinois Secretary of State, is also generating buzz as a potential mayoral candidate. Despite having no competition for his current position, Giannoulias has reportedly been raising $1 million per quarter in campaign funds. He is described as “the complete package” by one political consultant, possessing strong relationships with progressives, experience in finance – as CEO of Annoula Ventures – and support from organized labor. Other potential candidates include Mike Quigley, Maria Pappas, and Joe Holberg, with Susana Mendoza also being mentioned as a possible contender.
Giannoulias’s financial backing and broad appeal position him as a front-runner if he enters the race. He has also used his position as Secretary of State to bolster his credentials, including warning ICE agents about the illegality of altering license plates to evade detection.
What’s Next
The Illinois comptroller primary will be a key race to watch in 2026, as the outcome will determine who manages the state’s finances during a critical period. The Democratic candidates will continue to campaign and debate their qualifications, while the field for the 2027 Chicago mayoral election begins to solidify. The coming months will reveal whether Mendoza formally enters the mayoral race and how the competition for both offices will unfold.
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