Kifowit In for Comptroller, Villa Likely In
Rep. Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) at a joint House-Senate committee hearing in 2018. Kifowit announced Tuesday she’s running for Comptroller. (Photo: Chicago Tribune)
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Rep. Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) officially entered the race for State Comptroller Monday, adding to a growing field of Democratic primary candidates.
Kifowit, a former financial planner and Marine veteran, was the first House Democrat to challenge then-House Speaker Michael Madigan for the top job in the chamber in late 2020 into early 2021. Madigan eventually exited the race and retired from the chamber a few weeks later.
“The Comptroller’s office touches everyone’s life, and with higher costs squeezing families, small businesses, and retirees, we need leadership and experience to protect every taxpayer dollar,” Kifowit said while announcing her candidacy. “I know what it means to work hard, live within your means, and make tough choices. I’ll bring that same discipline to managing Illinois’ over $100 billion budget with transparency, integrity, and accountability.”
Kifowit, considered a fiscal moderate, voted against the Democratic budget and BIMP bills in May.
Kifowit joins Rep. Margaret Croke (D-Chicago), Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim, and Champaign County Auditor George Danos in the race to succeed outgoing Comptroller Susana Mendoza. Sen. Karina Villa (D-West Chicago) has not formally entered the race, but we’re told she is circulating petitions.
