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Junaid Ahmed loses Democratic bid for Illinois 8th
Indian immigrant and progressive candidate falls short as Melissa Bean secures nomination in the race
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Pranavi Sharma - Wed, 18, Mar 2026
- 00:31 EDT
- 27
Junaid Ahmed / Junaid Ahmed
Junaid Ahmed lost the Democratic primary for Illinois’ 8th Congressional District on March 17 with almost 27 percent votes, as former U.S. Rep. Melissa Bean secured the nomination, according to NBC News projections. The race was triggered by U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi’s decision to vacate the seat and run for the U.S. Senate, opening a competitive contest for the November ballot.
Ahmed, an Indian immigrant and tech entrepreneur, had mounted a second bid for the seat, positioning himself as a progressive alternative in a crowded Democratic field. His campaign focused on health care and immigration, including support for Medicare for All and calls to abolish U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Bean, who previously represented the district, moved closer to a political comeback with her primary victory with almost 32 percent of the votes. Projections showed her leading Ahmed and other Democratic candidates in the race. The primary field included multiple contenders seeking to replace Krishnamoorthi, who announced his Senate bid following Sen. Dick Durbin’s retirement.
ALSO READ: AOC endorses Junaid Ahmed for Illinois-8th
Ahmed drew national progressive support during the campaign. He was endorsed by Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, as well as Rep. Pramila Jayapal. Jayapal described him as “exactly the type of progressive fighter that we need in Washington,” adding he is “not afraid to stand up to corporate power” and “will never back down from taking on Donald Trump.”
Throughout the race, Ahmed criticized Bean’s financial backing, highlighting her contributions from large donors and political action committees. He said he refused to accept PAC money and presented himself as the most progressive candidate in the contest.
Ahmed also framed his candidacy around economic concerns. “Low wages, higher rents, and politicians who look the other way” have made it harder for families to get ahead, he said. “Never underestimate the power of a common man.” He frequently referenced his background, stating, “I came to this country with my parents with the same hope millions of families carry—to work hard and build a better life.”
Born in India, Ahmed moved to Illinois as a child and grew up in the Chicago suburbs. He began his higher education at a community college before transferring to DePaul University, later earning an MBA from the University of Chicago. He worked in consulting before founding a technology company and has been involved in local nonprofit efforts.
On the Republican side, Jennifer Davis was projected to win the nomination.
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