State Rep. Margaret Croke wins Democratic primary for Illinois comptroller

State Rep. Margaret Croke narrowly won the Democratic primary for Illinois comptroller Thursday, after almost two days of results hanging in the balance.

Croke declared victory late Tuesday, though her next-closest rival, state Sen. Karina Villa, did not concede as votes continued to trickle in. The two had been separated by just two percentage points.

By Thursday with 92.4% of expected votes counted, Croke had 34.6% of the vote, while Villa had 32.3%. The Associated Press called the race late Thursday afternoon.

“I am running for this office to be a fiscal watchdog who will protect taxpayer dollars, ensure transparency in how our state spends money, and pay bills on time,” Croke said in a statement Thursday. “I am incredibly grateful that my message is resonating with so many people across our state.”

Croke, 33, of Lincoln Park, also thanked her opponents, who also included Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim and state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit.

Kim, who outgoing Comptroller Susana Mendoza endorsed, received 24.4% of the vote, while Kifowit had 8.7%.

Villa’s campaign could not immediately be reached for comment. Late Tuesday, Villa said in a statement there were “still too many outstanding ballots in the mail and in drop boxes before a candidate is declared a winner.”

Villa, of West Chicago, won the plurality of votes in Chicago, and in DuPage and Kane counties. But Croke had advantages in suburban Cook County and several of the most populated downstate counties.

The race between Croke and Villa grew tighter in recent weeks as the two amassed the largest campaign funds in the race.

Backed by billionaire Gov. JB Pritzker and billionaire business executive Michael Sacks, Croke raised $1.8 million. Villa, largely backed by the Chicago Teachers Union, raised $1.4 million.

Croke also carried endorsements from Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch and more than 30 other Democratic state lawmakers. Villa was endorsed by more progressive organizations and leaders such as U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont.

Croke will face Republican Bryan Drew in the general election in November. Drew ran uncontested in the GOP primary Tuesday.