Overview
- Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza released a short video backing Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim, praising her fiscal experience and independence and warning against dark-money influence.
- Kim, a two-term county treasurer, highlights reinvesting more than $6 million in interest revenue into local libraries, parks and schools during fiscal years 2023 and 2024.
- The Democratic field also includes state Rep. Margaret Croke, who is endorsed by Gov. JB Pritzker, along with state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit and state Sen. Karina Villa.
- Kim faces scrutiny over a 2023 county memo that flagged reporting delays and an account error, as well as a campaign crypto investment that fell from about $8,300 to just over $34 by late 2025; she says no taxpayer funds were involved and calls it a learning experience.
- Mendoza is not seeking another term after serving since 2016, and the Democratic nominee is set to face Republican Bryan Drew, currently unopposed for his party’s nod.