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Election Day: Tuesday, February 23rd

I'm running for mayor because I believe in the power of Evanston.

This community changed the course of my life. It 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.

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Stephanie Mendoza smiling with arms crossed on a tree-lined plaza in downtown Evanston
Elected city-wide twice As Evanston City Clerk, in 2021 & 2025
5 years Serving Evanston from inside City Hall
2nd Ward Resident and proud parent of a Dewey Elementary Tiger and two teenage Wildkits

Experience The City Hall experience that's needed

I'm Stephanie Mendoza, and it has been an honor to have been elected twice as Evanston City Clerk and to have served our community for the past five years. As your City Clerk, I've learned how our city operates from the inside; I know what works... and what doesn't. On the city's dais alongside the current mayor, current and previous councilmembers, and in front of committees, city staff, and residents, I've navigated the issues that are impacting us right now.

I've worked at different levels of government, in the non-profit world, and in the private sector, all of which taught me to be an effective problem solver and a responsible leader. I want to bring that knowledge and experience to the mayor's office to lead us through our city's financial and quality-of-life challenges with creativity, responsibility, and, most importantly, accountability.

Stephanie Mendoza speaking into a microphone from a stage decorated with American flags at a community rally

Stephanie's story Evanston opened doors for my family

I was born in San Diego and raised in Tijuana, frequently going back to California for school.

As a teenage mother, I came to Evanston determined to build a better future for my family. Supported by Evanston's incredible network of nonprofit organizations, early childhood programs, educators, and neighbors, I raised my children, earned my BA in Political Science from Loyola University Chicago, and built a career dedicated to public service and community advocacy. Evanston gave me this opportunity, and I want to ensure it continues to give the same opportunities to future generations.

I now live in Evanston's 2nd Ward with my loving and supportive husband, two teenage sons, and a daughter. Our family is in the middle of the journey from D65 through D202. Go Wildkits!

Stephanie Mendoza with her husband, two teenaged sons, and daughter at the Taste of Evanston An old family photo from the 1990s of children gathered around a birthday cake in Tijuana Tijuana, 1990s

A life dedicated to public service Modernizing City Hall, and I'm just getting started

Since being elected Evanston City Clerk in 2021 and reelected in 2025, I’ve worked to modernize City Hall, making it easier for residents and business owners to navigate city services and compliance. I centralized citywide records management, getting every single paper file digitized; I restored vital records services locally, oversaw the City’s FOIA and compliance, and improved the boards, commissions, and committees system.

Before serving as Clerk, I worked directly with residents and families. I organized with Connections for the Homeless, led community outreach for Evanston Latinos, supported children through Early Intervention services, and advocated for youth at the Moran Center. Along with several community members, I also helped create Sanctuary Evanston and our first Rapid Response teams.

Nevertheless, there is so much more to do, and I’m just getting started.

Stephanie Mendoza carrying a stack of records boxes at City Hall

The vision It's time to bring our community together

I am ready to work for you. Evanston needs a mayor who understands our neighborhoods, schools, library, nonprofits, and local businesses; someone who knows how City government works; someone ready to tackle the issues facing our community on day one.

As a mom of a second grader and two high school students, I want what so many of us want: an Evanston where our children can grow up, come back, and afford to build lives of their own; where seniors who built this community can stay; and where working families can feel secure about their future.

As mayor, I will bring people to the table, build stronger partnerships, and keep our focus on the work here at home. Together, we can build an Evanston that is safe, affordable, well-maintained, and full of opportunity for every generation.

My priorities as mayor

Economic Development

Evanston should be a place where small businesses can start, grow, and thrive. We need interconnected business districts, emergency and business improvement grants, and a strong, well-staffed Economic Development Department that makes it easier to invest in our community. Strong business districts depend on how people can reach them. As mayor, I will work toward an economic development plan that includes a network of safe, protected bike lanes that connects neighborhoods, schools, transit, and business districts. We can make it easier for our residents to move throughout Evanston while inviting more people to come into our city, support local businesses, and enjoy everything Evanston has to offer.

Affordability

Evanston should be a community where young people can stay, working families can settle down, and seniors can downsize without leaving the community they helped build. We are facing a national housing crisis, but local government has an important role in strengthening our housing ecosystem. As mayor, I will work to expand missing middle housing, create a more predictable zoning and permitting process, and build stronger public-private partnerships to create more housing choices at different price points. Housing affordability is not an issue any one person or organization can solve alone. We must work together to address our affordable housing needs and create opportunities for more people to call Evanston home.

Fiscal Responsibility

Evanston residents invest a lot in our community and deserve to see it reflected in our core services. As mayor, I will advocate for a City budget that prioritizes a well-maintained city while using tax dollars responsibly. I will work with the City Council to prioritize long-term investments, grow our sales-tax base, and pursue all available outside resources before asking residents to pay more. I will work to build a stronger partnership between the City and School Districts 65 and 202 to identify concrete opportunities to share resources, reduce duplication, and use taxpayer dollars more efficiently.

Neighbors and children raising an American flag together in a park

Get involved Join Team Stephanie

Help elect Stephanie Mendoza and bring the next generation of experienced leadership to Evanston's government. Whether you have an hour or a weekend, there's a way to help.

Stephanie Mendoza holding an Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights hotline sign
Vote Stephanie on February 23rd!
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