Margaret Croke is a Democratic politician serving as the Illinois State Representative for the 12th District since January 2021. The district is located entirely within Chicago, encompassing neighborhoods such as Lakeview East, Lincoln Park, Old Town, and Gold Coast. An Oak Park native, she lives in Lincoln Park with her husband, Patrick, and their three children: PJ, Mary Pearl, and Hattie. Notable achievements include passing legislation on public safety, environmental protection, fiscal responsibility, LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive rights, and expanding infertility insurance coverage to same-sex couples, single women, and women over 35. She has secured over $4 million for capital improvements in her district and serves as Chair of the House Financial Institutions and Licensing Committee, with memberships on Gaming, Revenue & Finance, and Transportation: Vehicles & Safety committees. Croke is also a member of the House Democratic New Democrats Caucus , Gun Violence Prevention Caucus, Green Caucus, Jewish Caucus, and Neurodiversity Caucus. In 2025, she announced her candidacy for Illinois Comptroller, securing the Democratic nomination on March 17, 2026, after defeating Karina Villa and Holly Kim; her campaign received endorsements from the Cook County Democratic Party.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: B.A. in Political Science and Communications from the University of Michigan , with a 3.7 GPA.
• Political Experience:
  • Illinois State Representative, District 12 ; elected after defeating incumbent Yoni Pizer in the 2020 Democratic primary.
  • Democratic nominee for Illinois Comptroller .
  • Deputy Chief of Staff, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity , managing economic development, infrastructure, grants, and workforce projects.
  • Statewide Women's Outreach Director, JB Pritzker's 2018 gubernatorial campaign.
  • Personnel Assistant, Governor JB Pritzker's transition team .
  • Illinois Regional Director, Hillary for America .
  • Executive Assistant, City of Chicago Mayor's Office .
  • Director of Scheduling and Advance, Off the Sidelines Chicago .
  • Project Assistant, Sidley Austin .
  • Additional roles: 5th Central Committeewoman for the Democratic Party, member of the Economic Club of Chicago, Lincoln Park Zoo Women’s Board, and Board of Directors for Think Big America .