The Democratic nomination for Illinois State comptroller is still undecided.
As of Wednesday morning, State Rep. Margaret Croke of the 12th Legislative District holds a lead of 25,487 votes (34.5%-32.2%) over State Sen. Karina Villa of the 25th Senate District. Holly Kim, the Lake County treasurer, sits in third place with 24.5%, while State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit of the 84th Legislative District is in fourth with 8.8%. The race has yet to be officially called.
The winner will replace incumbent Susana Mendoza, retiring after just over 10 years in her role. Mendoza was originally elected in 2016 and has served just over two terms in office handling the state’s accounts.
Who could replace Susana Mendoza?
Croke has the backing of Gov. JB Pritzker, along with Attorney General Kwame Raoul. The Cook County Democratic Party has also endorsed her.
She’s served in the Chicago-based 12th District since 2021, replacing Sara Feigenholtz when she was appointed to the Illinois Senate to replace former Senate President John Cullerton in his seat in the Sixth District.
Villa has U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders’ backing, along with three notable members of Illinois’ congressional delegation: Delia Ramirez in the Third Congressional District, Chuy Garcia in the Fourth Congressional District, and Lauren Underwood in the 14th Congressional District.
Senate President Don Harmon and House Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford have also given their backing to Villa, who has served in the Senate since 2021.
Kim has Mendoza’s backing, along with former Congressman Bobby Rush from the First Congressional District and current Congressman Brad Schneider from the 10th Congressional District. She has been the Lake County Treasurer since 2018.
Kifowit, in the suburban 84th District, has been in the General Assembly since 2013.
On the Republican side, Bryan Drew, an attorney from Benton in southern Illinois, is running unopposed in his primary.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Democratic comptroller primary in Illinois: Croke holds lead
Reporting by Zach Roth, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
