Margaret Croke Endorsed for Illinois Comptroller Democratic Primary

The Chicago Tribune Editorial Board cites Croke's experience and understanding of the comptroller's role.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The Chicago Tribune Editorial Board has endorsed state Rep. Margaret Croke in the Democratic primary for Illinois Comptroller. The board praised Croke's priorities, including modernizing software and improving vendor processes, as showing she understands the scope of the job. They also highlighted Croke's service in the General Assembly and at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

Why it matters

The Illinois Comptroller manages the state's finances, including paying bills and ensuring transparency. The editorial notes this is a fiduciary role requiring responsibility, numeracy and integrity. The board believes Croke would bring the necessary competence and professionalism to succeed the current Comptroller, Susana Mendoza, during a time of federal funding uncertainty.

The details

The Democratic primary field includes Croke, Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim, state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, and state Sen. Karina Villa. The board expressed concerns about Kifowit's priority of adding a new department to enforce the Prevailing Wage Act, and Villa's vision of using 'procurement as leverage' to refuse to pay vendors that do business with certain federal agencies, which the board believes goes beyond the comptroller's appropriate role.

  • The Democratic primary election in Illinois is scheduled for March 19, 2026.

The players

Margaret Croke

A 34-year-old state representative from Chicago who is running in the Democratic primary for Illinois Comptroller. The editorial board endorsed Croke, citing her priorities, experience, and understanding of the comptroller's role.

Susana Mendoza

The current Illinois Comptroller, who has performed admirably in the role according to the editorial board, particularly in building the state's rainy day fund and expanding public transparency around Illinois' finances.

Holly Kim

The 45-year-old Lake County Treasurer who is also running in the Democratic primary for Illinois Comptroller.

Stephanie Kifowit

The 54-year-old state representative from Oswego who is running in the Democratic primary for Illinois Comptroller.

Karina Villa

The 47-year-old state senator from West Chicago who is running in the Democratic primary for Illinois Comptroller.

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What’s next

The Democratic primary election in Illinois is scheduled for March 19, 2026.

The takeaway

The Chicago Tribune Editorial Board believes Margaret Croke is the best candidate to succeed Susana Mendoza as Illinois Comptroller, citing Croke's understanding of the role, experience, and priorities to modernize and improve the office's operations.