Incumbent
Margaret Croke
Illinois Democratic Comptroller nominee?
$32.3K
MAR 18, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleState Representative
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyModerate Democrat
GenderFemale
LocationIllinois
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BackgroundIllinois State Representative
EducationUniversity of Michigan-Ann Arbor — B.A., Political Science and Communications
Notable personal detailsMargaret Croke is a Democratic politician serving in the Illinois House of Representatives for the 12th District (since 2021). Before being elected, she worked in state government, including as Deputy Chief of Staff at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and also worked on Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s 2018 campaign and transition. In 2026, she won the Democratic primary for Illinois Comptroller and advanced to the November 3, 2026 general election.
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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.
News
Margaret Croke is running in the 2026 Democratic primary for Illinois Comptroller, a move that leaves her North Side state House seat open. She has picked up major institutional backing, including endorsements from the Chicago Tribune, Gov. J.B. Pritzker, and the Cook County Democrats. Her candidacy is part of a crowded Illinois 2026 primary field for higher office.
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls
- Endorsements
- Fundraising