The woman currently in the office, Susana Mendoza, is not running for reelection. It is a statewide office with little fanfare, but four Democratic women who want to become Illinois' next comptroller say it is one of the state's most important jobs, especially during a time when the Trump administration is cutting billions from Illinois.
"The comptroller's office pays the checks. And also, it's that last line of financial oversight, and all the local government audits, they go to the comptrollers. The comptroller is the person who is the last person who can raise the red flag if something if off," said Illinois state Rep. Margaret Croke.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has endorsed Croke. The Chicago woman says her experience serving in the Illinois House and working for the Department of Commerce makes her qualified.
Croke has raised more money than her opponents. Although, Illinois state Sen. Karina Villa is a close second. Villa criticizes Croke's donations because she says some come from super PACs and Republicans.
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"I'm not on the defense about where I'm getting my money. I get the money from the unions and from everyday people who want a transparent government," Villa said.
Mendoza has held the office since 2016. She is not running for reelection and is backing Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim to replace her. Mendoza says after the days of former Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner, she successfully turned Illinois' fiscal ship around, and Kim will continue in her footsteps.
"From day one to Election Day, we've been running on my experience, even the fact that on day one, I can do the job," Kim said.
But Illinois state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit says she is the candidate with the most experience. Kifowit, from Oswego, is a U.S. Marine veteran, a former registered financial advisor and has served 20 years in Springfield, dealing with government finance.
"I know the employees of the controller's office. I know the modernization act that's already in place, $53 million that individuals appreciate having somebody with knowledge and experience in such a critical role," Kifowit said.
The winner of the March 17 primary will likely face Bryan Drew in November. The southern Illinois attorney is the only Republican running for state comptroller.