Overview

• Mendoza has neither sought a speaking slot nor confirmed participation in the Cook County Democrats’ endorsement session taking place this week, fueling expectations she will bypass a fourth term.
• Missing the July slating deadline is widely regarded as an indicator of a candidate’s shift away from reelection toward another campaign.
• A spokesman said Mendoza is weighing her options and will decide on her own timetable based on what serves Illinois, Chicago and her family, but will not run for two offices simultaneously.
• Illinois State Rep. Margaret Croke and Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim are preparing to enter the comptroller race if Mendoza formally steps aside.
• If Mendoza opts out of the 2026 comptroller contest, it would add another open statewide seat to an already crowded Democratic primary field.