Polling Average
15%10%5%0%
10%
8%
5%
Democrat
Melissa Bean
Democrat
Melissa Bean
IL-08 Democratic nominee?
$58.3K
MAR 24, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleFormer U.S. Representative
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyModerate Democrat
Age64 years old (Jan 22, 1962)
GenderFemale
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LocationIllinois
BackgroundPolitician
EducationOakton Community College (A.A., 1982)
Notable personal detailsMelissa L. Bean is an American politician and businesswoman who served as the U.S. representative for Illinois's 8th congressional district from 2005 to 2011. She was born in Chicago and attended Oakton Community College before earning a B.A. from Roosevelt University. She has also worked as a consultant and business executive.
SourcesShowHide
history.house.goven.wikipedia.orgwikidata.orgfec.govchicago.suntimes.comgovprofiles.comen-academic.comlakecountymi.govgiffords.orgarxiv.orgeserbia-org.westsrbdio.orgpoundpuplegacy.orgwikirank.netupload.wikimedia.orgscholarworks.indianapolis.iu.edujustfacts.votesmart.orgcagw.orgrepbio.orgcongress.govnbcchicago.comupi.comvotesmart.orgontheissues.orglcv.orgdailyherald.comrollcall.commelissabeanforcongress.comhozzl.comnypost.comchicagotribune.comnewdemactionfund.cominstagram.comwbez.orgpolitico.comcapitolnewsillinois.comdecisiondeskhq.substack.comjewishinsider.compunchbowl.newsjewishcurrents.orgvive.clickhuffpost.compredictionedge.comfacebook.comx.combioguideretro.congress.govdocquery.fec.govbioguide.congress.govgovinfo.govhouse.govfr.wikipedia.orgdeveloper.ballotpedia.orgdurbin.senate.govlegislation.ballotpedia.org
Positions
LiberalConservative
Economy & Taxes
Supports lower taxes for families and businesses and has voted for extending income-tax cuts and for business-oriented tax relief; has also supported measures to reduce government spending and limit earmarks. Positions reflect a pro-growth, pro-business approach to taxation while also voting for stimulus measures during the financial crisis.
Healthcare
Supports major expansions in access to coverage and voted to pass the 2009 health care reform legislation; favors measures to reduce costs and make it easier for small businesses and individuals to obtain insurance. Backed policies such as offering tax credits, patient protections, and options to expand Medicare eligibility.
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Immigration & Border
Melissa Bean has said the nation is strengthened by legal immigration but has emphasized the need to secure the nation’s borders. Public records and interest-group ratings show mixed signals on immigration policy and do not present a clear endorsement of either an enforcement-first or an expansive regularization approach.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports a woman's right to choose as outlined in Roe v. Wade and has a pro-choice voting record; opposed measures to restrict abortion access and received high ratings from pro-choice groups.
Climate & Energy
Supports federal action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and expand clean energy; voted for major climate legislation (the American Clean Energy and Security Act) and backed renewable energy measures while opposing drilling in Lake Michigan. Holds a pro-environment voting record and received high scores from environmental groups.
Public Safety & Guns
Melissa Bean has supported expanded gun-safety measures including background checks and renewing restrictions on certain semi-automatic firearms, and she voted against legislation to restore broader gun rights in the District of Columbia. Her historical voting record and responses on candidate questionnaires indicate support for strengthening enforcement of federal gun-purchase rules and safety measures.
News
AINews Summary
Last updatedMar 14, 2026
Melissa Bean is in the news as one of the candidates in Illinois’s upcoming 2026 primary, which includes races for congressional seats and other higher offices. She is also among the Democratic contenders in the 8th Congressional District who appeared at a League of Women Voters forum focused on U.S. policy toward Israel and Gaza, where candidates laid out differing approaches such as international law and a two-state solution. Details about her specific positions or campaign moves are limited in the provided reports.
history.house.gov+52
Polls
IL-08 Democratic nominee?
Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Endorsements
IL-08 Democratic nominee?
Endorsers of Melissa Bean for IL-08 Democratic nominee?
EMILY's List
Public endorsement
EMILY's List endorsed Melissa Bean in Illinois's 8th Congressional District.
Chicago Laborers' District Council LiUNA!
Political organization
Chicago Laborers' District Council LiUNA! endorsed Melissa Bean in the 2026 campaign.
Daily Herald
Public figure
Daily Herald endorsed Melissa Bean in the 2026 Democratic primary for Illinois's 8th Congressional District.
Chicago Tribune
Public figure
Chicago Tribune endorsed Melissa Bean for the Democratic nomination in Illinois's 8th Congressional District in 2026.
New Democrat Coalition Action Fund
Political organization
New Democrat Coalition Action Fund endorsed Melissa Bean in Illinois's 8th District.
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 2026Total raisedCash on hand
$2.1M
$1.6M
$1.0M
$517.8K
$0
2026
LatestYear
Total raised
Cash on hand
Total spent
Burn rate
Cycle 2026
$2.1M
$144.5K
$1.9M
$107.0K
Source: FEC