August 11, 2025
Dear editor;
I’ve made a big decision and wanted you to know. As you already know, I’m a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, mom, and proud State representative.
And now… I’m running to be your next Illinois comptroller!
For more than two decades, I’ve been Illinois’ fiscal hawk — never afraid to speak truth to power, hold government accountable, and fight for working families’ tax dollars.
I learned financial responsibility early. Growing up in a working-class family, I worked multiple jobs — babysitting, mowing lawns, serving donuts and ice cream — to pay my own way. When my mother divorced, I saw firsthand what it meant to make tough financial choices.
At 17, I joined the United States Marine Corps, serving proudly from 1990–1994. Later, I worked my way through college, earning a bachelor of science degree and a master’s in public administration. After graduating, I spent six years as a financial professional, helping families plan for their futures.
That background prepared me for the tough fights in public service. As a legislator, I’ve stood up to leaders in both parties when budgets didn’t add up.
I’ve voted against billions in unbalanced budgets, cut waste during lean years, and demanded transparency when backroom deals threatened taxpayers.
The results? Illinois went from fiscal crisis to stability — paying bills on time, eliminating the backlog, and earning nine credit rating upgrades.
Now I’m ready to bring that experience — and my fierce independence — to the comptroller’s office, where I’ll manage over $100 billion in State funds responsibly and transparently.
But this will be one of the most competitive statewide races in Illinois. To win, I need a grassroots team behind me from day one and will need help. For more information please visit kifowitforcomptroller.com.
Stephanie Kifowit, Candidate for Illinois Comptroller