Former U.S. Rep. Melissa Bean beat out seven other candidates in Tuesday’s 8th Congressional District Democratic primary while Republican Jennifer Davis held a strong lead in her primary for the chance to succeed five-term incumbent Raja Krishnamoorthi.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin’s decision not to seek another term led to a cascade of candidates running for not just his seat, but several congressional districts.

The eight candidates in the Democratic primary for the 8th Congressional District seat debated the role Congress should play in resolving the conflict in Gaza at a recent forum.

Immigration policy was among the issues debated by three of the four Republican candidates for the 8th Congressional District at a recent forum.

Niki Conforti, congressional candidate: "I support expanding ICE and deporting violent criminals." Read Conforti's full questionnaire here

John Elleson on his top legislative priorities: "Addiction and mental health services, immigration reform, fiscal responsibility." Read Elleson's full election questionnaire here

Mark Rice on top priorities for the district: Restore and strengthen the middle class, Crackdown on government waste and corruption, Apply a “liberty litmus” test to legislation and policy. Read Rice's full election questionnaire here

Do you believe any conduct of the current administration needs to be investigated? James Marter: None, but we should Investigate the Fraud perpetuated on the American People in Minnesota for start, by the Biden Administration. Read Marter's full questionnaire here

Seven of the eight candidates in the Democratic primary for the 8th Congressional District seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi debated issues ranging from the economy to foreign policy at National India Hub in Schaumburg Thursday.

Already crowded races for a pair of largely suburban Congressional seats got even more packed, and four representatives find themselves facing challenges within their own party, as candidate filing for the 2026 primary election wrapped up Monday.