Mendoza won't seek reelection, fueling 2027 Chicago mayoral buzz
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Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza is not running for another term, instead possibly setting her sights on the mayor's office in Chicago.
Why it matters: The announcement opens up a crucial statewide office that Democrats have held since 2016 and potentially kick-starts the 2027 mayoral race.
Between the lines: Sizing up a mayoral run this early reveals how some Democrats believe the current mayor is vulnerable. Mayor Brandon Johnson has seen low approval ratings and represents a much more progressive wing of the party, aligned with the Chicago Teachers Union.
- Mendoza has been quick to criticize the mayor on social media, from his fiscal strategies to public safety.
- The move also suggests the mayoral race may attract big-name candidates earlier than ever. The past two mayoral elections had 23 candidates (14 in 2019 and 9 in 2023), which means name recognition is key.
Reality check: Mendoza could have run for reelection and still run for mayor in 2027, but her timing aligns with the powerful Cook County Democratic Party's upcoming meetings this week to endorse candidates running in 2026.
- The late decision by Mendoza could mean a wild few days as new candidates emerge to jockey for the statewide comptroller's office.
Flashback: Mendoza has run for mayor before. She campaigned in 2019 but failed to finish in the top two for the runoff, which Lori Lightfoot won.
- In that race, Mendoza was hampered by her connections to then-Ald. Ed Burke, to whom she had a close relationship. Burke was indicted for corruption in the midst of that campaign.
The other side: "I don't think much about her candidacy," Mayor Johnson said Wednesday afternoon. "She tried this already [and didn't succeed], so apparently Chicagoans don't think too much of her candidacy either."
State of play: Mendoza has an impressive track record overall, though, winning elections both state and citywide. She spent a decade in the statehouse representing parts of Chicago and was the first woman to be elected city clerk.
- Once elected Illinois comptroller in 2016, Mendoza was a fierce opponent of Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner. She used her office to publicize the governor's fiscal struggles, routinely pointing to unpaid state bills during his tenure.
Zoom out: Mendoza isn't the only statewide office holder who has been rumored to want Chicago's top job. Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is also a potential candidate.
What's next: The Cook County Democratic Party meets Thursday and Friday.