CHICAGO — Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza has announced she will not be running for reelection in 2026.

Mendoza has served as the state’s comptroller since 2016, managing the state’s financial operations while also taking on roles such as city clerk. Her career in public service spans 24 years.

The announcement, held at Los Comales in Little Village, comes ahead of the Cook County Democratic Party slating meeting later this week.

“This is where I began my political journey, at this very location, when I first announced my campaign for state representative 26 years ago,” Mendoza said, her emotions clearly showing.

On Wednesday, Mendoza highlighted her achievements as comptroller, such as clearing a multi-billion-dollar bill backlog, repaying federal loans earlier than planned, and replenishing the state’s emergency fund. However, she indicated she’s not finished with public service, leaving open the possibility of another run for mayor of Chicago.

“I’m leaving the door open,” she said. “I’m definitely going to take some time to figure out what that next big, huge challenge is for me.”

But, she also spoke on a loss in 2019 when she first ran for mayor. Mendoza finished fifth in the then-crowded contest, with 9 percent of the vote. 

“You learn more in this line of work when you fail than when you win every time,” Mendoza said. “It was humbling. It was wising, but it made me stronger and I’m actually very appreciative to have had that opportunity.”

Mendoza has been a fierce critic of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and the previous administration under former city Mayor Lori Lightfoot. 

“We’ve had two very unsuccessful mayors in a row,” Mendoza said. “Chicagoans deserve better.”

No word on when Mendoza might declare what’s next, but the comptroller’s announcement comes ahead of a Cook County Democrats gathering later in the week to slate candidates for the 2026 primaries. If and when she does make her decision about what’s next, Mendoza said, she’ll be in it to win it.   

Regarding a potential mayoral run in 2027, Mendoza could face several other high-profile candidates, including Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, Alderman Bill Conway, and City Clerk Anna Valencia.