The Evanston mayoral race is gaining momentum as Stephanie Mendoza, the city’s two-term city clerk, enters the contest. Announcing her candidacy on August 5, Mendoza aims to succeed Mayor Daniel Biss, who is expected to move to Washington in January. Biss is currently campaigning as a Democrat for Illinois’ 9th Congressional District.
“I am running for mayor because I believe in the power of Evanston,” Mendoza stated in her announcement. She highlighted the city’s positive impact on her life and expressed her goal to provide similar opportunities to all families in Evanston.
Mendoza first became city clerk in 2021, winning the position despite facing only write-in competition during the February primary. She was re-elected in 2025 and made history as Evanston’s first Latina elected official. A victory in April 2027 would also make her the city’s first Latina mayor.
With Mayor Daniel Biss planning to resign on October 18, a special election will be held to complete his term until 2029. An interim mayor will be chosen from the nine current aldermen. If more than two candidates qualify, a primary election is scheduled for February 23.
Currently, Mendoza manages various municipal responsibilities, including maintaining city records, producing ordinances, and safeguarding the city seal. Her office is also central to documenting City Council meetings and handling public record requests.
In her campaign, Mendoza emphasized her role in “modernizing City Hall” by implementing a citywide records management policy and restoring Vital Records services. She vows to make Evanston affordable, addressing housing challenges that have persisted for decades. Approximately 40% of residents spend over a third of their income on housing, as noted on the city’s website.
“It’s time for the next generation of leaders to take up the mantle in Evanston,” Mendoza stated, asserting her commitment to affordable living for all residents.
The Housing4All initiative is one response to housing issues, aiming to shape policy over the next ten years. Mendoza pledges high-quality city services and fiscally responsible budgeting.
Since declaring her candidacy, 47 volunteers have joined Mendoza’s campaign efforts. Illinois law requires mayoral candidates to gather 946 to 1,513 signatures from registered voters to qualify for the ballot, with submissions due between October 19 and 26. Mendoza will recuse herself from election duties to avoid conflicts of interest.
If elected, Mendoza will face a salary cut, moving from her current $81,000 annual paycheck, due to cost-of-living adjustments starting May 2026, to a $25,000 mayoral salary. This financial difference raises concerns about the feasibility of pursuing office with limited compensation.
Mendoza holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Loyola University Chicago and lives in the 2nd ward with her husband and three children. Her campaign emphasizes her deep understanding of Evanston, covering neighborhoods, schools, and local businesses.
The campaign team is working to formalize its organization, and Mendoza has received pledges of support, underscoring enthusiasm for her leadership. She joins a diverse field of candidates, including former alderwoman Ann Rainey, attorney Jade Carpenter, Jeff Boarini, and activist Elliot Oats.
The newly elected mayor will assume office at the first City Council meeting after election results are certified, likely in early May 2027, according to the city calendar.