Chicago City Wire

Fueling speculation that she may run for Chicago mayor next year, Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza has refused to deny rumors that she is mulling a bid to succeed incumbent Rahm Emanuel.

Mendoza “has neglected to deny the possibility” of a run when questioned by the news media, said an Illinois Republican Party press release. The release cited a Chicago Tribune story in which Mendoza claimed interest only in her current re-election bid in November's General Election.

Emanuel told reporters Sept. 4 he would not seek re-election.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel

Mendoza has a reason to play her cards close to the vest, Travis Sterling, executive director of the Illinois Republican Party, was quoted in the press release.

"In an attempt to deceive voters, Susana Mendoza is hoping to dodge questions about a Chicago mayoral bid until after Illinoisans have cast their vote for comptroller in November," Sterling said. "Illinoisans deserve the full truth when they head to the ballot box, and Mendoza has made it clear that she is not committed to four years as Illinois' comptroller."