Former House Democrat wins party nod in Illinois primary

The Hill
by Julia Mueller
March 18, 2026
2 min read

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Former Rep. Melissa Bean won the Democratic primary for Illinois's 8th Congressional District after 16 years out of office.

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Former Rep. Melissa Bean won the Democratic primary for Illinois's 8th Congressional District seat, positioning her for a potential House comeback after 16 years out of office. Bean previously represented the Chicago-area district until losing her reelection bid in 2010. She is running to succeed Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, who vacated the seat. Bean's primary victory sets up a general election contest that will determine whether she can reclaim the seat she once held. The 8th District is a Democratic stronghold, making the primary victory the likely decisive contest for the House seat.

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