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player ready...The offices of Illinois state treasurer and Illinois state comptroller should be combined, not just to save money but to avoid needless duplication; most Illinoisans would not be able to articulate the difference between the two.
Actually, the comptroller balances the state’s funds while the treasurer invests taxpayer money. Consolidating these functions under one department would not exactly be a radical move. Mike Frerichs, 53, who has served as Illinois treasurer since 2015, actually backed that combo when he was a state senator.
Now? Well, reason to wonder if he was serious.
In addition to his fiduciary responsibilities, Frerichs has a penchant for waxing about policy in press releases. About six years ago, when Pritzker was attempting to push through a statewide progressive income tax, it was Frerichs who poured cold water on the governor’s signature tax policy by suggesting that it would open the door to a retirement tax, the lack of which is one of Illinois’ biggest tax advantages for retirees. We thank him for letting this slip, but generally would prefer that he sticks to administrative responsibilities.
In this role, he has proved a capable hand at netting returns for taxpayers.
In fiscal year 2026, the state realized $1.45 billion in returns on its portfolio under Frerichs’ watch. During his tenure, Frerichs’ office reports that it has earned more than $5.6 billion for state taxpayers since he first assumed office in 2015.
Frerichs is running against Republican Max Solomon, 54, a suburban attorney who qualified for the ballot after running as a write-in candidate in the GOP primary. He has run unsuccessfully for multiple offices in recent years, including governor and Illinois Senate. We appreciate that Solomon’s platform includes good fiscal stewardship, transparency and improving efficiency, good starting points for anyone who would manage such a massive portfolio. Also running as a write-in candidate is Timothea Papas. Neither of Frerichs’ opponents has mounted much of a campaign.
We endorsed Frerichs in 2022, and while we aren’t enamored of his habit of championing Democrats’ tax policy platform from his pulpit, he is again the better candidate.
Michael Frerichs is endorsed.
Read all of the Tribune Editorial Board’s endorsements for the 2026 Illinois general election here.
Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email [email protected].