Stephanie Mendoza Announces Bid for Mayor of Evanston

In the race to determine Evanston’s next mayor, Stephanie Mendoza has declared her candidacy. As the city’s two-term city clerk, Mendoza announced on August 5 that she intends to run in next year’s special mayoral election. This election will replace Mayor Daniel Biss, who is expected to move to Washington by January due to his participation in the Congressional race for Illinois’ 9th District.

Mendoza expressed her motivations in her announcement, stating, “I am running for mayor because I believe in the power of Evanston. This community changed the course of my life.” She aims to ensure every family in Evanston has access to the same opportunities.

First elected as city clerk in 2021, Mendoza was re-elected in 2025. She made history as the first Latina elected official in Evanston. If she wins the upcoming election, she will become the city’s first Latina mayor.

With Mayor Biss set to resign on October 18, a special election will fill the remainder of his term ending in 2029. In the meantime, an acting mayor will be appointed from among the current aldermen. A primary election will occur on February 23 if more than two candidates qualify.

Mendoza, as city clerk, handles municipal duties such as maintaining records and overseeing City Council meetings. Her office is responsible for publishing ordinances and resolutions.

Mendoza has focused on modernizing City Hall by implementing a citywide records management policy and improving transparency.

She aims to make Evanston an affordable place to live and has been involved in efforts like the Housing4All initiative, addressing housing affordability. The initiative plans to guide policy for the next decade. Approximately 40% of Evanston residents currently spend over a third of their income on housing.

Mendoza has gathered community support since announcing her candidacy; 47 volunteers have already signed to assist her campaign. She needs to collect between 946 and 1,513 signatures to qualify for the ballot. The city clerk’s responsibilities with the election process will require Mendoza to recuse herself due to the conflict of interest.

If elected, Mendoza will face a pay cut, moving from her current $81,000 salary to the mayor’s $25,000 annual salary. Mendoza currently holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Loyola University Chicago and lives in Evanston’s 2nd ward with her family.

Mendoza has garnered support and pledges for her campaign, although financial specifics remain undisclosed. She follows candidates Ann Rainey, Jade Carpenter, Jeff Boarini, and Elliot Oats into the race.

The next mayor of Evanston will be sworn in following the certification of election results, likely in early May 2027.