Stephanie Mendoza Announces Mayoral Bid in Evanston
The contest to determine Evanston’s next mayor is intensifying. Stephanie Mendoza, aged 33 and currently serving as the two-term city clerk, has declared her candidacy for the special mayoral election scheduled for next year. This election comes as Mayor Daniel Biss appears set to advance to Washington in January. Biss is a Democrat campaigning in the heavily Democratic Illinois 9th Congressional District for the November election.
Mendoza expressed her motivations for running, emphasizing her commitment to Evanston. “This community transformed my life,” she stated in her announcement. “Evanston’s residents invested in me and provided opportunities that shaped my future. I want to ensure every family has similar opportunities.” Mendoza was first elected as city clerk in 2021 and re-elected in 2025, becoming the first Latina elected official in the city. If successful in her mayoral bid, she will also become Evanston’s first Latina mayor.
Mayor Daniel Biss’s Impending Resignation
Mayor Biss plans to resign on October 18, prompting a special election to serve the rest of his term until 2029. During this interim, an acting mayor will be chosen from the nine current aldermen. If more than two candidates qualify, a primary election will occur on February 23.
Mendoza’s Role as City Clerk
In her position as city clerk, Mendoza has managed various municipal duties, including acting as Evanston’s chief record keeper. She oversees city code functions and documents all City Council meetings. Her office is responsible for maintaining official records and responding to public record requests.
Mendoza has focused on “modernizing City Hall,” aiming to enhance transparency and public access to government operations. She has established a citywide records management policy and reinstated Vital Records services in Evanston. These efforts are part of her broader initiative to improve government efficiency.
Housing Challenges in Evanston
Mendoza aims to address Evanston’s long-standing housing affordability issues. Approximately 40% of residents spend over a third of their income on housing, leading to increased economic and racial segregation. The city’s Housing4All initiative seeks to guide community policy for the next decade.
If elected mayor, Mendoza commits to demanding high-quality City services for every ward and ensuring the city’s budget is “fiscally responsible” while reflecting community values.
Candidacy and Campaign Efforts
Mendoza’s campaign has garnered volunteer support, with 47 people signed up since her announcement. To qualify for the ballot, she needs to collect between 946 and 1,513 signatures from registered voters. The filing of signatures takes place between October 19-26.
The city clerk traditionally handles municipal election administration, but Mendoza will need to step back from these duties due to her candidacy. Meanwhile, she faces a potential salary reduction if elected, as the mayor’s role pays approximately $25,000 annually, compared to her current $81,000 as city clerk.
Mendoza has a political science degree from Loyola University Chicago and lives with her family in Evanston’s 2nd ward. Her campaign highlights her dedication to the entire Evanston community, emphasizing familiarity with local neighborhoods, nonprofits, schools, and city government.
Plans to establish a formal campaign committee are underway as filings for organizational forms are expected soon. Besides Mendoza, other declared candidates include former alderwoman Ann Rainey, attorney Jade Carpenter, Jeff Boarini, and activist Elliot Oats. The new mayor will be sworn in during a City Council meeting likely in early May 2027.