* Subscribers were told earlier this morning. After narrowly losing the Cook County Democratic Party’s slating vote last month, Sen. Karina Villa officially announced her bid for Illinois Comptroller today. Press release…
Today, Illinois State Senator Karina Villa (D–25th District) officially launched her campaign for Illinois State Comptroller. Speaking at a press conference in Chicago’s Little Village, Karina was joined by U.S. Representatives Delia Ramirez (D–3rd District), Chuy García (D–4th District), as well as state and local officials.
Karina, who has built winning coalitions in the Chicago suburbs to flip Republican districts, enters the race as a proven leader with experience leading state budgets and fighting for Illinois families.
“I’m running for State Comptroller because Illinois families deserve a government that works just as hard as they do,” said State Senator Karina Villa. “I’ve flipped tough districts, delivered middle-class tax relief, and led state budgets that invest in our public schools, affordable housing, and health care. I’ll put that same proven record to work in the State Comptroller’s office, ensuring every dollar is accounted for, every decision is transparent, and Illinoisans get real results from their government.”
Rep. Margaret Croke, Rep. Stephanie Kifowit and Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim are already in the race for Comptroller. Champaign County Auditor George Danos and former State Sen. Rickey Hendon have also expressed interest in the office.
* Villa’s campaign also announced three endorsements…
Today, State Senator Karina Villa announced the endorsements of U.S. Representatives Delia Ramirez and Chuy García, along with Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, in her campaign for Illinois State Comptroller.
The three leaders praised Karina’s record of delivering results for Illinois families, her leadership in Springfield, and her proven ability to win tough races.
“Karina Villa has been a long-time champion for working families. From her years as a school social worker to her service in Springfield, she has never lost sight of who she’s fighting for,” said U.S. Congressman Chuy García. “As Comptroller, Karina will be the watchdog Illinois families deserve – protecting our taxpayer dollars and making sure our government works for the people, not the powerful.”
“Karina Villa fights for Illinois families and she wins,” said U.S. Congresswoman Delia Ramirez. “From flipping Republican-held seats to championing budgets that put working Illinoisans first, she’s delivered real, measurable results. In this race, Karina stands alone with the experience and track record to be the State Comptroller Illinois needs.”
“Karina Villa has proven herself to be an effective and trusted legislator in Springfield. She knows how to navigate tough negotiations, stand firm on her values, and still deliver results for Illinois families,” said Illinois Senate President Don Harmon. “Her experience on appropriations and shaping state budgets give her the financial expertise we need in our next State Comptroller.”
“I’m thrilled to have the support of my colleague in the State Senate, Don Harmon — one of Illinois’ most progressive Senators and a leader who has fought to protect a woman’s right to choose, propelled Illinois into a clean energy future, and injected billions of dollars more into our schools,” said State Senator Karina Villa. “I’m also deeply grateful to Congressman Chuy García and Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, two fearless champions for working families who inspire me every day. Having their support in this race is a true honor.”
Thoughts?
- Dirty Red - Monday, Aug 25, 25 @ 9:35 am:
Getting pretty crowded. A shame the Republicans do not have a viable statewide candidate who could start their general election campaign today while the Democrats are shootin’ at each other.
But, hey, it’s all about what POTUS wants, so they do not have that bench.
- Chicago voter - Monday, Aug 25, 25 @ 9:37 am:
Sen. Villa is the only candidate who seems to be able to unite people in this race and to put working families first over being a career politician.
Croke seems to be crashing and burning outside the establishment and a lot of her House colleagues can’t stand her.
Kim blew $8,300 in campaign money on crypto and supposedly has other oppo, and has built a team that is not well regarded (to be diplomatic).
Kifowit just isn’t viable and is too conservative.
I’ll be voting for Villa enthusiastically.
- Remember the Alamo II - Monday, Aug 25, 25 @ 9:39 am:
I understand the Statehouse dynamics that give rise to Harmon’s endorsement of Sen. Villa in the Comptrollers race, but what I am more interested in is how this affects him as the Oak Park Township Democratic Committeeperson. Usually Committeepeople that go against the party’s endorsement are punished in some kind of way. Will Preckwinkle and others punish Harmon for working against the party’s endorsed candidate for Comptroller?
- Candy Dogood - Monday, Aug 25, 25 @ 10:53 am:
===have also expressed interest in the office.====
Being interested in serving as a statewide elected official is very different than having a plausible route to becoming a state wide elected official.
If one’s campaign plan has the political/electioneering equivalent of “working together to get things done” one should just not run for office when there are already serious candidates in the race that are circulating petitions.
If one’s campaign plan also doesn’t include a viable way of getting petitions signed to get on the ballot, also don’t run.
- Trinity - Monday, Aug 25, 25 @ 11:10 am:
After that Bernie rally, it’s clear Margaret has a stronger shot at the Latino vote than Villa. There was a STARK difference from who was on display on stage and in the SMALL crowd. Don’t give me that bull about doing it for “Working Families”. It’s a soapbox term used by Socialist who have NEVER EVER BEEN POOR THEMSELVES. It obviously doesn’t include Black or Latino voters. Also Chicago has the second largest Mexican population, and Mexicanos are not Democratic Socialists. Progressives are losing ground here because of Mayor Johnson’s failures. Voters also remember Maggie O’Keefe’s loss in the 30th Ward and the shady tactics that angered many Latinos.
Equal representation matters, but no seat belongs to anyone. Karina admitted she only ran because she “got the call.” That does not show leadership.
Let us not forget, Karina and Delia refused to campaign in Midwest States for Kamala Harris who was at the top of the ticket. Latino voters, who are under attack & Democratic leaders, will not forget their inaction & silence.
- Demoralized - Monday, Aug 25, 25 @ 11:16 am:
==and former State Sen. Rickey Hendon have also expressed interest in the office.==
Should Rickey Hendon really have access to the state’s checkbook? Just sayin . . .
- Chicago voter - Monday, Aug 25, 25 @ 11:28 am:
==Don’t give me that bull about doing it for “Working Families”. It’s a soapbox term used by Socialist who have NEVER EVER BEEN POOR THEMSELVES. It obviously doesn’t include Black or Latino voters. ==
Well I have been poor and I am not a socialist, lol.
But I do agree that the progressive movement has not been inclusive enough of people of color and working class people.
- Peoria Jack - Monday, Aug 25, 25 @ 11:40 am:
@trinity
Chuy Garcia history begs to differ. Most popular latino in Illinois history –staunch progressive
- Rahm's Parking Meter - Monday, Aug 25, 25 @ 11:43 am:
Good luck on the North Shore, Karina..
- Chicago voter - Monday, Aug 25, 25 @ 11:45 am:
==Good luck on the North Shore, Karina.. ==
I’d argue that’s exactly where she will do best.
People like Maggie O’Keefe and Patrick Watson do not have experience up there.
Progressive organizers seem to do a lot on the north side of Chicago, which has many similarities.