Politics
Margaret Croke Declared Winner in Tight Illinois Comptroller Race
Margaret Croke is the Democratic nominee for Illinois comptroller. (Campaign photo)
State Rep. Margaret Croke finally prevailed in the Democratic primary for Illinois comptroller as the Associated Press declared her the winner Thursday afternoon.
“Thank you to the voters across Illinois for putting their trust in me to serve as the Democratic nominee for State Comptroller,” Croke wrote in a statement. “I am running for this office to be a fiscal watchdog who will protect taxpayer dollars, ensure transparency in how our state spends money, and pay bills on time.”
With an estimated 92% of the vote counted, unofficial totals show Croke received 34.6% of the vote. Her lead held steady throughout late Tuesday night and over the last two days.
Croke represents the 12th District, which includes Lakeview East, Lincoln Park, Old Town and the Gold Coast in Chicago. First elected in 2020, she previously served as deputy chief of staff at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and worked on Gov. JB Pritzker’s campaign and transition.
State Sen. Karina Villa (D-West Chicago) finished second with 32.3% of the vote. Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim and state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit (D-Aurora) also ran in the open primary.
Villa called Croke on Tuesday to concede the race after reviewing updated vote‑by‑mail totals, according to a statement.
“As the proud daughter of working class immigrants and a former school social worker, it has been the honor of my life to run a statewide campaign rooted in the core belief that our government should work for working people," Villa wrote. “I firmly believe that our Comptroller should not just manage the books but also be a vocal leader against austerity and an advocate for progressive revenue so that federal cuts do not hurt the investments Illinois must continue to make to protect working people. I sincerely hope Rep. Croke will carry on this mantle.”
Croke is expected to face Republican Bryan Drew, an attorney and small business owner from southern Illinois who ran unopposed in the GOP primary, in the Nov. 3 general election.
“This is an important moment, but it’s only the beginning,” Croke wrote. “As we look ahead to November, I am committed to continuing to travel across the state, meet with voters, and share my vision for the office of Comptroller.”
The comptroller is the Illinois government’s chief fiscal officer, responsible under the state Constitution for maintaining central accounts and ordering payments in and out of state funds. The office publishes data on bill payments, debt and payroll, providing a public view into state finances and ensuring spending complies with the law.
Current Comptroller Susana Mendoza opted not to run for reelection.
Croke’s victory marks another primary election win this week for Gov. JB Pritzker who endorsed his former staffer for the job. Pritzker’s Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton might also be heading for higher office after she won the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate thanks to the governor’s endorsement and financial backing.
“As Deputy Chief of Staff for the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and as a member of the legislature, Margaret has always been committed to responsible fiscal management and improving the lives of hardworking Illinoisans,” Pritzker said in a statement. "She knows how to get things done, and I know she will hit the ground running on day one fighting for Illinois families.”
Contact Jared Rutecki: @JaredRutecki | [email protected]
