Incumbent
Margaret Croke
Incumbent Democratic candidate for Comptroller in Illinois
Illinois Democratic Comptroller nominee?
$32.3K
MAR 18, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Live Odds — Illinois Democratic Comptroller nominee?
Current prediction-market probability for the candidate, updated as market prices change.
99%chance to win
$32.3KMAR 18, 2026Candidate Overview
Key details about the candidate’s background, party, office sought and current campaign.
Current roleState Representative
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyModerate Democrat
LocationIllinois
BackgroundIllinois state representative
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EducationB.A., Political Science and Communications, University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
Notable personal detailsMargaret Croke is a Democratic politician who has served as a member of the Illinois House of Representatives for the 12th District since 2021. She previously worked in state government as Deputy Chief of Staff at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and served as statewide Women’s Outreach Director for JB Pritzker’s 2018 gubernatorial campaign. She earned a B.A. in Political Science and Communications from the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor. She lives in Chicago with her husband and three children.
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Political Positions
Economy & Taxes
No clear, specific tax policy proposals (for example, rate increases or cuts) are stated in the candidate’s public materials. Campaign and official materials emphasize budget transparency, balanced budgets that invest in communities, modernization of financial systems, and enforcement of prevailing wage rules. These statements focus on fiscal management and spending priorities rather than explicit tax-rate or tax-reform positions.
Healthcare
Supports affordable, expanded access to health care and reproductive health services; has sponsored and voted for measures protecting abortion access and expanding insurance coverage for fertility treatments. Emphasizes reducing health care costs and protecting patients and providers through legislative action.
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Immigration & Border
The candidate has acted to oppose federal ICE enforcement activity in Chicago and encouraged community reporting and connection to legal and social services for people facing immigration enforcement. Her public messaging frames ICE operations as unlawful and seeks to protect vulnerable immigrants from detention or removal. There is no campaign policy page detailing comprehensive immigration reform or a pathway to citizenship on her campaign site.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports and advocates for robust reproductive rights including protecting the right to choose and defending Roe v. Wade; champions expanding access to reproductive and fertility care in Illinois. Has sponsored resolutions and legislation to affirm and expand reproductive-health protections and insurance coverage for fertility treatments.
Climate & Energy
Supports ambitious climate action and clean-energy policy, including votes in favor of Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Jobs Act and a 100% clean-energy direction for the state. Has a pro-environment voting record and emphasizes clean air, clean water, and clean energy in public statements. Running for Illinois Comptroller while continuing to describe climate and clean-energy priorities in campaign materials.
Public Safety & Guns
Supports sensible gun control measures and is identified with gun violence prevention efforts while representing Illinois' 12th District. Positions emphasize expanded regulation that balances public safety with respect for responsible gun ownership.
Latest News
Margaret Croke has won the Democratic primary for Illinois comptroller and will move on to the November election, where she will face Republican Bryan Drew. Her win came after a competitive four-candidate race and with backing from Gov. JB Pritzker and other major Democratic supporters. She is now the Democratic nominee in the first open comptroller race since 2016.
Margaret Croke wins Democratic primary for Illinois comptroller
Gov. JB Pritzker flexes political muscle through Juliana Stratton's decisive Senate primary win
Voters in pivotal primary election will shape Illinois politics for years
Democratic comptroller candidates make push for why they’re voters’ best option
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
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