Margaret Croke Wins Illinois Comptroller Primary in Narrow Victory Over Karina Villa

State Rep. Margaret Croke was declared the winner in the Democratic primary for Illinois comptroller on April 9, advancing to the November general election against Republican Bryan Drew.

The Associated Press called the race with 92 percent of votes counted, giving Croke 34.6 percent of the statewide vote. State Sen. Karina Villa received 32.3 percent. Villa has not conceded and said the election is not over until more votes are counted.

The comptroller's office will be open for the first time since 2016 when Susana Mendoza, the current incumbent, decided not to seek reelection after serving as the state's chief financial officer since 2016.

Pritzker Backs Croke

The race served as a test of Gov. JB Pritzker's political influence in a lower-profile statewide contest. Croke, the Democratic nominee, received endorsements from Pritzker and House Speaker Emanuel Welch.

Croke raised $1.8 million during the campaign cycle, compared to Villa's $1.4 million. Billionaire business executive Michael Sacks was Croke's largest funder, providing nearly $160,000 to her campaign.

"She knows how to get things done, and I know she will hit the ground running on day one fighting for Illinois families," Pritzker said in a statement.

Croke collected endorsements from 36 other state lawmakers. Reps. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, and Rick Ryan, D-Evergreen Park, both attended her election night party at the Plumbers Local 130 Training Center in the West Loop.

"I believe our government should be powered by that same hope," Croke said. "Our guiding question as public servants should be this: What kind of Illinois are we building for the next generation?"

Progressive Villa Challenges

Villa positioned herself as the progressive in the race and received endorsements from U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders and the Chicago Teachers Union. She performed best in west suburban counties that include parts of her Senate district.

"This election is not over," Villa said in a statement late Tuesday. "There are still too many outstanding ballots in the mail and in drop boxes before a candidate is declared a winner. We will wait until more votes from the people of Illinois are counted."

Third Place Finishers

Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim came in third with 24.4 percent of the statewide vote. Kim received support from more than half of primary voters in her home county and won several downstate counties where she campaigned heavily.

Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, a Marine veteran from Oswego, received 8.7 percent of the vote.

Republican Opponent

The Republican comptroller nominee is Bryan Drew, a downstate lawyer from Marion. Drew told reporters at a Republican Party breakfast in Naperville that his career as an attorney makes him the candidate who understands how government works the best.

"Unfortunately, my opponent said she stands with JB on everything," Drew said. "That's not the job. The job of the comptroller is to stand with the people, and that's exactly what I'm going to do. I'll be an independent person for the people of this state."

Croke's Campaign Message

Croke said she is running for the office to be a fiscal watchdog who will protect taxpayer dollars and ensure transparency in how the state spends money.

"As your next comptroller, I will work every day to make sure Illinois pays its bills on time, manages taxpayer dollars responsibly and brings transparency to the way we spend our money," Croke said.

She entered a small upstairs room at the plumbers training center with her three kids and husband, Patrick Croke. She spoke while intermittently holding her toddlers, who she said represented hope for her.

What Comes Next

Croke's attention now turns to her general election against Republican Bryan Drew. The comptroller oversees the state's financial operations, including tax collection and disbursement of state funds.

The race will be the first open comptroller's race in Illinois since Susana Mendoza decided not to seek reelection in 2026.