Holly Kim currently serves as Lake County Treasurer, where she also fulfills the responsibilities of Comptroller. She manages the county’s finances, writes checks, and oversees fiscal accountability. With a record of innovation, transparency, and community-rooted leadership, Holly is running to be Illinois’ next State Comptroller to continue the legacy of Susana Mendoza and bring strong, independent leadership to the office.
Holly is the only candidate in the race with direct experience in the core functions of the Comptroller’s office. Every check issued by Lake County carries her signature. Under her leadership, the office has become more efficient and responsive. She negotiated higher interest rates for collector accounts, generating an additional $3 million for local taxing bodies. She worked with state legislators to reduce mobile home tax penalties, because she believes the government should not punish people for being poor.
Raised by Korean immigrant parents who owned a copier and typewriter repair shop, Holly grew up in a civically engaged, working-class home. Her father, a technician and community leader, worked long hours with stained hands to provide for the family. His work ethic instilled in her the values of hard work, integrity, and service to others.
Holly’s personal journey directly informs her public service. As a college student, she became a mother and relied on programs like WIC, Medicaid, and Head Start to stay in school. She worked full-time and took classes part-time for eight and a half years before earning her degree. She understands firsthand how critical public services can be and remains committed to protecting them for all Illinoisans.
Since entering public service in 2013 as a Village Trustee, Holly has also served at the township and county levels. She first ran for office over a local property rights wanting backyard chickens. Today, she still lives on a small homestead where she and her children raise chickens, grow vegetables, and tend to fruit trees and a goat named Tanya.
Voters choose Holly because they know she will bring effective change as a reformer. Even as a progressive, she has proven she can win in conservative areas. She consistently earns some of the highest crossover vote totals in Lake County and connects with voters across city, suburban, and rural communities.She has also served the Democratic Party as a precinct committeeperson, Vice Chair of the Fremont Township Democrats, and now as a Vice Chair of the Democratic Party of Lake County. She is deeply involved in grassroots organizing and believes in building political power from the ground up. Whether volunteering at the local carnival with the Lions Club or supporting her kids in 4H, Holly stays grounded in her community.
Holly is an outspoken advocate for justice and equity. She refuses to shy away from her beliefs, even when facing public criticism. She was recently featured on the front page of a conservative newspaper for marching in the No Kings protest. She believes voters are ready for leaders who are real, not rehearsed, and who lead with authenticity instead of talking points.
As Illinois State Comptroller, Holly will continue the important work of fiscal oversight and transparency. She will enforce prevailing wage laws, modernize financial systems, and ensure that every dollar is tracked with integrity. She believes the office must always remain independent and accountable to the people of Illinois.A wife and mother of four kind and thoughtful children, Holly Kim brings both lived experience and professional expertise to this role. She is the candidate who will fight for working families, honor the trust of every voter, and represent all of Illinois with dignity and purpose.
Holly Kim is ready to serve as your next Illinois State Comptroller.
PAID FOR BY FRIENDS OF HOLLY KIM