Comptroller Susana Mendoza endorses Holly Kim to be her successor

Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim stands to succeed Mendoza as Illinois Comptroller in Democratic primary

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Outgoing Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza has endorsed Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim to succeed her in the role, citing Kim's experience and independence as a "proven fiscal watchdog." The endorsement puts Mendoza at odds with Governor JB Pritzker, who is backing Rep. Margaret Croke in the Democratic primary. The race also features Sen. Karina Villa and Rep. Stephanie Kifowit.

Why it matters

The Illinois Comptroller is the state's chief financial officer, responsible for managing billions in taxpayer dollars and overseeing the state's credit rating. Mendoza's endorsement of the political outsider Kim signals a desire for an independent, experienced hand in the role rather than a career politician.

The details

Mendoza, who is not seeking reelection after holding the Comptroller job since 2016, praised Kim's "proven fiscal watchdog" credentials and experience fulfilling the Comptroller's duties. Kim, the only non-legislator in the four-way Democratic primary, has closely aligned herself with Mendoza and says she has learned the "ins and outs" of the office from the outgoing Comptroller. However, Kim's investment in a cryptocurrency venture that lost most of its value has drawn attacks from rival candidate Sen. Karina Villa.

  • Mendoza announced her endorsement of Kim on Monday, March 2, 2026.
  • The Democratic primary election is scheduled for March 17, 2026.

The players

Susana Mendoza

The outgoing Illinois Comptroller who is endorsing Holly Kim as her successor.

Holly Kim

The Lake County Treasurer running in the Democratic primary to replace Mendoza as Illinois Comptroller.

JB Pritzker

The Governor of Illinois who is backing Rep. Margaret Croke in the Democratic primary for Comptroller.

Margaret Croke

The state Representative from Chicago who is being backed by Governor Pritzker in the Democratic primary for Comptroller.

Karina Villa

The state Senator from West Chicago who has launched attack ads against Holly Kim in the Democratic primary.

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What they’re saying

“Holly Kim is the most skilled and experienced financial professional running for comptroller. Holly is a proven fiscal watchdog who has maintained a strong sense of independence throughout her career.”

— Susana Mendoza, Outgoing Illinois Comptroller (Capitol News Illinois)

“I've long looked up to Comptroller Mendoza as my work mentor. Not only have I learned the ins and outs of the Comptroller's office from her, but I've also been inspired by her leadership and her fierce independence on behalf of the taxpayers.”

— Holly Kim, Lake County Treasurer (Capitol News Illinois)

“There's a lot of big money pouring into this race. The voters should not allow those with deep pockets to gain control of an office that manages billions in taxpayer dollars. Illinois is open for business, but it's not for sale.”

— Susana Mendoza, Outgoing Illinois Comptroller (Capitol News Illinois)

What’s next

The Democratic primary election for Illinois Comptroller is scheduled for March 17, 2026.

The takeaway

Mendoza's endorsement of the political outsider Holly Kim signals a desire for an independent, experienced hand to manage the state's finances as Comptroller, rather than a career politician. However, Kim's past cryptocurrency investment has drawn attacks from opponents, underscoring the importance of fiscal responsibility and transparency in this key statewide office.