Pritzker Backs Croke in Heated Illinois Comptroller Primary
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has endorsed state Representative Margaret Croke in the Democratic primary race for state comptroller, a move that significantly strengthens Croke’s campaign as the March 17 election nears. The endorsement underscores a close relationship between the two politicians and positions Croke as a frontrunner against three challengers vying for the open seat.
A Familiar Face to the Governor
The endorsement wasn’t unexpected, given Croke’s prior service within the Pritzker administration. Before being elected to the Illinois House in 2021, Croke served as deputy chief of staff at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, an agency instrumental in allocating state funds to infrastructure projects. This experience, according to Pritzker, demonstrates Croke’s commitment to responsible fiscal management.
“As Deputy Chief of Staff for the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and in the legislature, Margaret Croke has always been committed to responsible fiscal management and improving the lives of hardworking Illinoisans,” Pritzker stated. “Whether it’s advocating for job creation, reproductive rights, or the expansion of childcare, Margaret knows how to get things done.”
Croke’s ties to the governor extend beyond her previous role. She currently serves as a treasurer and board member of Think Big America, an organization founded by Pritzker dedicated to protecting reproductive rights, and previously served as women’s outreach director for his gubernatorial campaign.
Financial Advantage in a Competitive Race
Pritzker’s support is coupled with significant financial backing. In the fall of 2024, prior to Croke’s announcement of her candidacy, Pritzker’s campaign transferred $50,000 to Croke’s campaign, according to records from the Illinois State Board of Elections. As of the end of December, Croke reported having over $830,000 in campaign funds – a substantial lead over her competitors.
State Senator Karina Villa reported slightly more than $300,000 in her campaign coffers, while Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim held approximately $241,000. State Representative Stephanie Kifowit lagged behind with just under $100,000.
[. A chart comparing the campaign finances of each candidate would be beneficial here.]
The candidates – Croke, Villa, Kim, and Kifowit – were recently seen together at a Democratic comptroller candidate forum held at the Des Plaines Public Library on February 6, 2026. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Mendoza’s Departure and a Tight Endorsement
The comptroller’s seat became open after incumbent Susana Mendoza announced her decision not to seek reelection last year, fueling speculation about a potential run for Chicago mayor. Croke has also garnered key endorsements, including a narrow victory securing the Cook County Democratic Party’s backing by a mere 95 votes out of a weighted total of 549,705.
Additional endorsements for Croke include Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, numerous state lawmakers, labor organizations, and several Chicago aldermen.
Croke expressed her gratitude for Pritzker’s support, stating, “Every day, he stands up for Illinoisans and fights back against the Trump administration, and I’m proud that he believes I am the best person to serve as comptroller in this critical moment.”
The primary election on March 17 will determine which Democrat will advance to the general election, vying for a position overseeing the state’s financial operations.
Worth a look
