State Rep. Margaret Croke is making the case that her background in public administration and legislative leadership uniquely prepares her to serve as Illinois’ next comptroller.
Croke, who represents Chicago’s 12th District—including the Northalsted LGBTQ+ district—entered the race after building a record in Springfield focused on financial policy, social services and LGBTQ+ equality.
The Democratic primary field includes several candidates, but Croke argues her experience managing large government operations and navigating the legislative process sets her apart.
“I’ve spent my entire career in public service, and I’ve always really enjoyed the administrative side of government,” Croke said. “I feel like this particular position encompasses both the constituent side but also the ‘put your head down and get work done’ side.”
Before serving in the General Assembly, Croke worked at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, where she oversaw the distribution of billions of dollars in state funding. She now chairs the Illinois House Financial Institutions Committee, where she focuses on banking, payments systems and financial technology policy.
Croke said that experience has given her both technical knowledge and the collaborative skills needed to run a statewide constitutional office.
“The way state government works—really the way all governments work—is that it’s hard to do things in a silo,” Croke said. “You have to be able to bring people along with you.”
Priorities if elected
The comptroller serves as Illinois’ chief fiscal officer responsible for paying state bills, maintaining financial transparency and ensuring government agencies receive funding authorized by the legislature.
Croke said she often describes the job in simple terms.
“I always say it’s the person who pays the bills,” Croke said. “It’s the last line of financial oversight.”
If elected, she said three priorities would guide her first year in office: improving transparency in state finances, protecting nonprofits and businesses that rely on state payments, and modernizing auditing systems for local governments.
One proposal would allow residents to easily track how taxpayer dollars move through state government—from legislative appropriation to final payment.
“I want people to be able to go on the website for the comptroller’s office and see the life cycle of taxpayer dollars,” Croke said. “Find the appropriation, see which department received it, which contractor or nonprofit got the funding and when the bill was paid.”
Croke also plans to revive and expand a vendor payment program used during Illinois’ 2016 budget crisis, which allowed the state to work with financial institutions to ensure smaller organizations were paid more quickly.
Croke said she worries that potential federal funding cuts under the Trump administration could once again strain Illinois’ social service system.
“I have this concern that we’re going to see that social service safety net completely crumble again,” she said. “I want to do everything I can to make sure those organizations continue to operate.”
Croke’s third priority—streamlining local government audits—may not generate headlines, she said, but could reduce administrative burdens and save taxpayer money.
LGBTQ+ allyship informed by her district
Representing Northalsted has also shaped Croke’s legislative priorities and advocacy for LGBTQ+ communities, she said.
“You can’t not be [an ally] when you represent Northalsted,” Croke said.
One of the first major bills she passed expanded private insurance coverage for in vitro fertilization to include same-sex couples and single women. The legislation was inspired by a constituent seeking to start a family.
“That couple now has a family,” Croke said. “That has really shaped a lot of my leadership on LGBTQ+ issues.”
Croke said her district includes many LGBTQ+-focused organizations and services, including health providers and youth programs, which gives her a firsthand view of the community’s needs.
“Whether it’s funding for the AIDS Garden or funding for Howard Brown, there are unique issues that our LGBTQ community has to deal with,” she said.
As comptroller, Croke said protecting social service providers—including LGBTQ+-focused organizations—would remain a priority, particularly during times of financial stress.
Many smaller nonprofits rely on timely state payments to stay afloat, she said.
“You have to look at those smaller providers,” Croke said. “Within the LGBTQ+ community, some of the social services are on the smaller side or the medium size, so those are groups that very much hold a place in my heart.”
Croke also argued that investing in LGBTQ+ health and community programs produces long-term benefits for the state.
“If we are investing in Howard Brown’s youth clinic, we know we’re going to see benefits for LGBTQ+ youth in our communities,” Croke said. “You have to think about return on investment very holistically.”
Protecting Illinois in a shifting national climate
Croke said Illinois officials must also be prepared to defend LGBTQ+ rights and services amid federal policy changes.
“I think in Illinois we need to continue to be a safe haven,” Croke said. “Elected officials have a duty to be vocal about where they stand.”
While the comptroller cannot directly set the state budget, Croke said the office still plays a crucial role in ensuring approved programs and services are funded and paid on time.
For Croke, the motivation ultimately comes back to public service and protecting the communities she represents.
“I love public service,” Croke said. “I just want to make sure I’m protecting everyone right now in the state of Illinois, because I love this place so much.”
