Melissa Bean wins 8th Congressional District primary, moves to reclaim seat she lost 16 years ago
Why are we asking for donations? Why are we asking for donations? This site is free thanks to our community of supporters. Voluntary donations from readers like you keep our news accessible for everyone. Donation Options
Former U.S. Rep. Melissa Bean coasted to victory Tuesday in the 8th Congressional District Democratic primary to replace Raja Krishnamoorthi, taking a step toward reclaiming the congressional seat she lost 16 years ago.
Buoyed by more than $7 million in super PAC funding, the Barrington resident took an early lead in the eight-way Democratic primary and kept it, rounding up 32% of the vote with 91% of expected votes counted. The Associated Press declared Bean the winner shortly after 9:15 p.m.
She was trailed by South Barrington tech entrepreneur Junaid Ahmed, who had 27% of the counted votes.
With Krishnamoorthi seeking Dick Durbin’s open U.S. Senate seat, Bean had amassed the largest war chest in her attempt to reclaim the seat she lost in 2010 in a Tea Party wave up…