Mendoza Endorsement Boosts Kim, but How Much?
Comptroller Susana Mendoza (L) and Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim answer questions at a Pulaski Day celebration in Chicago Monday. Mendoza endorsed Kim to succeed her in the Comptroller’s office. (Photo: Chicago Tribune)
Outgoing State Comptroller Susana Mendoza jumped into the race to replace her Monday, endorsing Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim in the Democratic primary for State Comptroller.
Kim, of Mundelein, is in her second term as Treasurer, which has similar duties to that of Comptroller, in the third largest county in the state.
The endorsement itself came as no surprise, as Mendoza has been signing Kim’s praises publicly and privately for months.
“Holly brings the energy, experience and fight we need in an independent fiscal watchdog,” Mendoza said in an endorsement video released Monday. “I wrote the playbook on transparency and accountability in this office and I trust Holly to continue protecting you and your money.”
Little public polling exists in the Democratic primary between Kim, Rep. Margaret Croke (D-Chicago), Rep. Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego), and Sen. Karina Villa (D-West Chicago). Multiple Democratic sources say the race is close, most saying between Croke, Kim, and Villa, and a heavy number of undecideds remain in the race.
Gov. JB Pritzker has already endorsed Croke in the race. She previously worked on his campaign and in the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity during the Pritzker administration before being elected to the House in 2020. Her opponents have criticized her loyalty to Pritzker and accused she won’t be able to show independence from the billionaire governor.
Pritzker’s endorsement has helped Croke’s robust fundraising, as she has already raised more money than the rest of the field.
But Mendoza, who’s endorsement likely doesn’t open significant new checkbooks for Kim, made a subtle jab at Pritzker and his campaign donations and spending in a “dark money” PAC in the U.S. Senate race aimed at boosting Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton.
“At a time when dark money is trying to buy elections, Holly will work hard to earn your vote, not buy it,” Mendoza said. “Illinois is open for business, but it’s not for sale.”
Sen. Karina Villa (D-West Chicago), recently went up with a new ad attacking Croke and Kim. Many Democrats say it is an indication the Villa campaign believes those are the candidates to beat in the race.
We’re told Mendoza, who is expected to announce a run for Chicago Mayor in 2027 in the coming months, received some push back for endorsing a candidate from outside the city as her Mayoral run nears. She also reportedly received some grumbling in some circles for endorsing against Villa, the only Latina candidate in the race.
“I think she honestly believes Holly is the best person for the job,” one Democratic source said. “And knowing [Mendoza], that’s all that matters.”
