Melissa Bean projected to win Democratic nomination for 8th Congressional District seat

Jennifer Davis is projected to win the Republican nomination.
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
SCHAUMBURG, Ill. (WLS) -- Former Congresswoman Melissa Bean, who is no stranger to the 8th Congressional District, is projected to win the Democratic nomination for the seat.



She held the seat from 2005 to 2011, until she was defeated by a then-Tea Party candidate.

She ran again in a different 8th Congressional District.

That's because recent re-districting has made the district more diverse and Democratic.



She was the target in a crowded field of Democratic candidates.

She faced attacks from other candidates on her contributions from big donors and Super Political Action Committees.

In total, there were eight Democrats vying to replace Raja Krishnamoorthi, who was running for Senate.

Bean's party at the Hyatt Regency in Schaumburg was filled with excitement.

She was leading the race all night and is now one step closer to returning to the seat she once held.



Jennifer Davis is projected to win the Republican nomination.

The district encompasses parts of the northwest suburbs as well as northern Illinois.
Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.