Melissa Bean Targets Return to 8th Congressional District Seat Lost in 2010
Melissa Bean took an early lead in the Democratic primary to replace Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi in Illinois’ 8th Congressional District. With nearly half the expected ballots reported, Bean led a crowded field of eight candidates.
Early returns and vote totals
As of 7:55 p.m., 49% of expected Democratic votes were counted. Bean held 33% of those ballots. Junaid Ahmed trailed with 25%.
In the Republican primary, tech entrepreneur Jennifer Davis led with 50% of the vote. That figure came with roughly 39% of expected votes reported. Mark Rice followed with 42%.
Financial edge and endorsements
Bean entered the race with the largest war chest among Illinois congressional hopefuls. Her campaign benefited from more than $7 million in super PAC spending.
Groups tied to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee contributed about $3.4 million to her effort. She also received endorsements from Reps. Bill Foster, Brad Schneider and Nancy Pelosi. Sen. Tammy Duckworth also backed her bid.
Background and motivation
Bean is a three-time former U.S. representative. She lost the seat in 2010 to Joe Walsh during the Tea Party wave.
Since leaving Congress, she worked in private finance. Bean has said her 2010 defeat was tied to her vote for the Affordable Care Act. She is running as a moderate who stresses pragmatism over polarization. Bean has signaled she will confront President Trump on his policies.
Primary challengers and key positions
- Junaid Ahmed — A South Barrington tech entrepreneur who ran in 2022. He supports abolishing ICE and ending military aid to Israel during the Gaza war. He was endorsed by Sen. Bernie Sanders.
- Kevin Morrison — A two-term Cook County commissioner who criticized Bean on civil liberties and constitutional issues.
- Neil Khot — A Hoffman Estates businessman with no prior political experience. He raised the second-most campaign funds and says private-sector skills will bring practical solutions.
- Dan Tully — A former judge advocate in the Army Reserve and a Department of Commerce foreign assistance worker. He emphasizes legal and military experience.
- Yasmeen Bankole — A Hanover Park trustee who has worked for Rep. Krishnamoorthi and Sen. Dick Durbin. She cites congressional office experience as preparation for the seat.
- Sanjyot Dunung — From Des Plaines, he runs a global education company. He promotes a center-left, business-focused agenda to rebuild the middle.
- Ryan Vetticad — A young candidate who will meet the 25-year-old age requirement when the next Congress convenes.
District profile and race context
The redrawn 8th District, updated in 2023, is solidly Democratic. It runs from the Far Northwest Side near O’Hare westward to parts of Elgin and Geneva.
Krishnamoorthi is vacating the seat to run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Dick Durbin. Bean is seeking a return to the 8th Congressional District seat she lost in 2010.
Filmogaz.com will monitor vote counts as returns continue. Early leads may shift as more ballots are reported.
