Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza announced on July 16, 2025, that she will not seek a fourth term and is considering a run for mayor of Chicago in 2027, signaling a potential shift in her political trajectory.

During her announcement at a Little Village restaurant, Mendoza emphasized her commitment to public service and expressed that she is not finished with her political career.

Mendoza has a long history in public service, including roles as a state representative, city clerk, and Chicago comptroller, a position she described as the most fulfilling of her career.

She previously ran for Chicago mayor in 2019 but did not win, finishing fifth, and has been a prominent figure in city politics.

Mendoza confirmed she will complete her current term as comptroller, which ends in January 2026, and plans to embark on a 'thank-you tour' across Illinois to engage with voters.

Her decision to step aside is happening amid speculation about her political future and just before the Cook County Democrats meet to select their candidate slate for upcoming elections.

While she has not disclosed her future plans, Mendoza has indicated her strong commitment to public service and her readiness to face new challenges.

She highlighted her achievements as comptroller, including addressing unpaid state bills and modernizing Chicago's vehicle registration system, which she considers some of her most significant accomplishments.

Mendoza has stated she will honor her current term, which concludes in January 2026, but has also hinted at future political ambitions.

A Mendoza spokesman mentioned she is weighing her options and will decide based on what is best for Illinois and Chicago, explicitly ruling out running for two offices simultaneously.

Throughout her tenure, Mendoza has been vocal in criticizing Mayor Brandon Johnson's fiscal policies and leadership, raising concerns about public safety, education, and economic growth in Chicago.

Her decision to step down is expected to trigger a competitive race for the comptroller position and mark the start of the mayoral election cycle, which is still 587 days away.