Incumbent
Illinois Democratic Comptroller nominee?
$32.3K
MAR 18, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleState Senator
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyProgressive Democrat
Age47 years old (Sep 20, 1978)
GenderFemale
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LocationIllinois
BackgroundPolitician
EducationNational Louis University (bachelor’s degree)
Notable personal detailsKarina Villa is an American politician serving in the Illinois Senate representing the 25th District (since 2021) and previously represented the 49th District in the Illinois House (2019–2021). She has worked as a school social worker and has served on the West Chicago District 33 Board of Education, including as vice president. She earned a master’s degree in social work from Aurora University and has studied at National Louis University.
SourcesShowHide
Positions
Economy & Taxes
Supports targeted tax relief for the middle class while backing state budgets that increase investment in schools, housing, and healthcare; frames budget choices as prioritizing working families and preserving a balanced budget. Positions emphasize both protecting fiscal stability and using revenue to expand social investments.
Healthcare
Supports prioritizing funding for healthcare and lowering healthcare costs; advocates using the comptroller’s office to protect and prioritize payments for healthcare, mental health services, and other public health supports. Legislative work includes committee service on health-related committees and sponsorship of bills addressing mental health parity and support for clinics and community health services.
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Immigration & Border
Karina Villa opposes aggressive immigration enforcement actions in Illinois and has publicly warned residents about ICE activity in her district. She has criticized ICE practices and framed enforcement raids as harmful to immigrant families and community safety. Her public statements emphasize protecting immigrant communities and documenting enforcement activity rather than expanding detention or deportation measures.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports broad legal access to abortion and has sponsored and voted for legislation to protect and expand reproductive health care access in Illinois, including measures to codify reproductive rights and safeguard access to abortion medications. Advocates making Illinois a safe haven for reproductive care and removing state-level barriers to abortion services. Has backed repeal of parental-notice requirements and co-sponsored the Illinois Reproductive Health Act.
Public Safety & Guns
Supports strong gun safety reforms including an assault-weapons ban, expanded/background check and FOID reforms, safe-storage measures, and other regulations such as addressing ghost guns and holding manufacturers accountable. Has sponsored or endorsed legislation and voted in favor of gun-safety measures while describing gun violence as a public-health crisis.
News
Karina Villa ran in the Democratic primary for Illinois comptroller but lost to Margaret Croke, who will advance to the November election. Villa was one of four Democrats competing to replace Susana Mendoza in the open race. The primary was held amid a broader set of Illinois elections and drew attention as voters chose nominees for several major statewide offices.
Voters in pivotal primary election will shape Illinois politics for years
Democratic comptroller candidates make push for why they’re voters’ best option
Four Democrats battle in March primary to succeed Susana Mendoza as Illinois comptroller
Margaret Croke wins Democratic primary for Illinois comptroller
Endorsements
Endorsers of Karina Villa for Illinois Democratic Comptroller nominee?
Farm Team PAC
Political organization
Farm Team PAC announced its endorsement of Karina Villa for comptroller.
33rd Ward Working Families
Public endorsement
33rd Ward Working Families endorsed Karina Villa for comptroller.
Working Families 33rd Ward
Public endorsement
Working Families 33rd Ward endorsed Karina Villa for comptroller.
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls
- Fundraising