Video surfaces of Mendoza announcing bid for Chicago mayor

CHICAGO (AP) — Video surfaced Friday of Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, who’s seeking re-election Tuesday, announcing she’s running for mayor of Chicago.

Mendoza’s campaign says the ad was made in preparation for a potential mayoral run and she’s still considering her options.

Mendoza says the seconds-long video was stolen from her campaign. In the clip, the Democrat says “I’m Susana Mendoza and I’m running for mayor of Chicago” and “I ask you to join me on this journey together.”

Mendoza is running for re-election against Republican Darlene Senger. Illinois Republican Party Executive Director Travis Sterling said Mendoza has been misleading voters and called on her to drop out of the race.

Mendoza says she’s “fully focused on making sure I get re-elected” and “we can talk about the mayor’s race after this election.”

The election to replace Mayor Rahm Emanuel is in February.