The race to decide Evanston’s next mayor is intensifying as the first incumbent candidate joins. Stephanie Mendoza, 33, who has served as the city’s clerk for two terms, announced on August 5 her intention to run in the special mayoral election next year. She aims to succeed Mayor Daniel Biss, who may head to Washington in January. Biss is contesting as a Democrat in the November 3 election for the heavily Democratic Illinois 9th Congressional District.
Mendoza stated, “I am running for mayor because I believe in the power of Evanston.” She expressed gratitude for the community’s role in her life and her desire to grant every family similar opportunities.
Mendoza was elected as city clerk in 2021, appearing as the only name on the February primary ballot with several write-ins. She was re-elected in 2025, making history as the first Latina elected official in Evanston with her initial win. If elected mayor in April 2027, she would become Evanston’s first Latina mayor.
Mayor Daniel Biss will vacate his position on October 18, triggering a special election to fill the remainder of his term until 2029. An acting mayor will be selected from the current nine aldermen in the interim. A primary election will take place on February 23 if more than two candidates qualify for the ballot.
As city clerk, Mendoza manages various municipal duties, chiefly as Evanston’s chief record-keeper. Her office upholds city code functions and retains ordinances and resolutions as official records in the city’s municipal library. Furthermore, she acts as the “custodian of the City seal,” documenting all City Council meetings and handling public record requests.
Evanston City Manager Luke Stowe, Mayor Daniel Biss, and City Clerk Stephanie Mendoza hear public opinions on housing initiatives at a City Council meeting, April 13, 2026. (Claire Murphy/Pioneer Press)
Mendoza has been proactive in modernizing City Hall through her role. She implemented a citywide records management policy, improved transparency and public government access, and supported initiatives for better governmental operations.
She wrote, “It’s time for the next generation of leaders to take up the mantle in Evanston.” Her focus is on making Evanston accessible and affordable for all residents.
The challenge of ensuring affordable housing in Evanston isn’t new. City leaders have tackled rising housing costs and preserving affordable units. The Housing4All initiative aims to address economic and racial segregation, steering policy for a decade. Approximately 40% of Evanston residents spend over a third of their income on housing, as per the city’s website.
Mendoza pledged quality City services for everyone and a budget reflecting Evanston’s values while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Since her candidacy announcement, 47 volunteers have joined her campaign. Illinois law requires mayoral candidates to gather 946 to 1,513 signatures from registered voters to qualify for the ballot. The signature period started on July 28, with ballots due between October 19 – 26.
If elected mayor, Mendoza faces a pay cut. In her full-time current role, she earns $81,000 annually, including living cost adjustments starting May 2026. The mayor’s job pays about $25,000 yearly, posing a challenge for potential candidates.
Mendoza has a political science bachelor’s degree from Loyola University Chicago and lives in the 2nd ward with her husband and three children. She articulated a need for leadership familiar with all of Evanston’s facets, including neighborhoods, nonprofits, schools, and government.
Efforts are underway to formally establish a campaign committee, with the D-1 State of Organization form expected to be filed soon. Though Mendoza has received support pledges, financial details remain unspecified. She enters as the fifth candidate in the mayoral race alongside Ann Rainey, Jade Carpenter, Jeff Boarini, and Elliot Oats. The next mayor’s swearing-in would likely occur in early May 2027, following election result certification.
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