AN EXPERIENCED AND DISCIPLINED LEADER

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Stephanie Kifowit learned hard work and financial responsibility early. Growing up in a working-class family in the western suburbs, she held multiple jobs as a teen to cover her needs. After her mother’s divorce left the family struggling, she experienced firsthand the challenge of tough choices.

At 17, she joined the United States Marine Corps, serving from 1990 to 1994. Following an honorable discharge, she worked her way through college, earning a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s in Public Administration focused on organizational development and government finance.

Stephanie applied her education in the private sector, working at First National Bank of Chicago in private banking and later as a registered financial advisor with Morgan Stanley Dean Witter. She guided families in making sound financial decisions and planning secure futures — experience that became a cornerstone of her public service career.

Stephanie does not just talk about accountability — she wins elections and delivers results. She won her first race for Alderman by just five votes in a competitive primary, then went on to win the general election. Since then, she has been elected to the Illinois House of Representatives multiple times over more than 12 years, proving she can build lasting coalitions while staying true to her principles.

Stephanie’s record speaks for itself: she has consistently pushed for balanced budgets, worked to cut unnecessary spending during lean years, and championed fiscal responsibility over partisan politics. She has never hesitated to raise concerns — whether with members of her own party or across the aisle — when transparency or fairness was at stake. When legislators were not getting paid during the budget crisis, Stephanie stood with them. When social services were being gutted, she spoke up. When backroom deals threatened openness, she called for accountability.

As a Veteran, Stephanie has been one of the General Assembly’s leading voices for those who served, passing crucial legislation to help veterans access benefits, prevent suicide, and get the support they have earned.

Now, as Illinois faces new fiscal challenges, Stephanie is ready to bring decades of budget expertise, integrity, and independence to the Comptroller’s office. She understands every dollar — over $100 billion — flowing through the office and will ensure it is managed responsibly and transparently.

Stephanie continues to serve the people of Illinois with the dedication instilled by the Marines: always faithful, always accountable, always fighting for what is right.