By Bob Seidenberg
Evanston City Clerk Stephanie Mendoza announced today she will be running for the mayor’s seat in a special election next spring.
Current mayor Daniel Biss previously announced he will be resigning from the seat in October.
Biss was the winner of the Democratic primary for the 9th Congressional office, and is a prohibitive favorite to win election to the seat in the general election to be held Nov. 3.
In recent weeks, a number of candidates have stated they intend to run for the office, with Mendoza the latest.
In her announcement, Mendoza said, “I am running for Mayor because I believe in the power of Evanston. This community changed the course of my life. The people of Evanston invested in me, believed in my potential, and opened doors that made my future possible. I want to ensure every family has those same opportunities.”
Mendoza had no previous municipal legislative experience prior to her run for the Clerk’s office in 2021. The City Clerk, as keeper of records, is the only full-time elected position under the City Manager-Council form of government adopted by Evanston in 1952.
Under Mendoza, the office has been built up, including the salary of the City Clerk, which is $81,000 (compared to $32,000 for the mayor’s office, which is considered part time under the city manager form of government.)
The personable Mendoza had been a fast riser in a wide range of community service and Democratic candidate organizing roles since coming to Evanston, and has built support in those circles.
In December 2024, she was listed in a WTTW.com article as one of the candidates vying to replace the late County Clerk Karen Yarbrough in that office.
Before election to Clerk, her experience included stints as Director of Community Outreach for Evanston Latinos, and as a Prevention Specialist for Connections for the Homeless. Mendoza is bidding to become the first Latina to hold the mayor’s office.
In her announcement, she pointed to her to efforts “to modernize City Hall by implementing a citywide records management policy, improving transparency and public access to government, restoring Vital Records services to the City of Evanston, and supporting initiatives that improve government operations.”
“It’s time for the next generation of leaders to take up the mantle in Evanston,” she said
“As Mayor, I will be laser focused on making Evanston a place where everyone can afford to live and afford to stay. I will demand high quality City services for everyone — no matter the ward. I will ensure that our budget reflects our values and we invest in our future, while being fiscally responsible. Finally, I will continue the work to Trump-proof our City and protect our neighbors.
“Over the coming weeks and months our campaign will be out in the community — listening to Evanstonians, and sharing our vision for Evanston’s future.”