The race to replace Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi in Illinois’ 8th Congressional district pits a former member of Congress against a political newcomer.

Former Rep. Melissa Bean was swept from office as part of a backlash against Democrats in the wake of the passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, but she’s hoping to return to Washington more than 15 years after her extremely narrow defeat to Joe Walsh.

The district, which includes parts of West Dundee, South Elgin, Des Plaines and Carol Stream, was once a solid Republican district, and while it’s since flipped into the Democratic column, it is considered more independent than many districts in Illinois.

Now, along with independent candidate Christopher Krumpack, Bean and Republican contender Jennifer Davis are vying for a seat at the table in Washington as they look to replace Krishnamoorthi this November.

Bean says her experience of running and losing after passage of the ACA showed the power of narrative to sway public opinion, even if that narrative was inaccurate.

“It was a tough year that year,” she said. “Democrats got wiped out, and Republicans were using sort of ridiculous attacks on it, like death panels and such, which were never true.”

Davis is looking to resume her political career in Washington, but Davis is a newcomer to the political world. She started a software business with her husband when she was just 17 years old, and has also been busy helping to raise the couple’s 10 children, giving her a unique perspective on family and business.

“Having 10 kids and having to solve every single problem from the kitchen table, it gives you a very different lens to operate through,” she said. “We started a business when I was 17 years old, and we didn’t have outside influence, we didn’t have money, we didn’t have anything, and we have to protect the families and the family businesses.”

So what would Davis and Bean do if they were elected to public office? Their focuses are reflective of their experiences in life.

“What I’m really fixated on is solving problems for the families,” Davis said. “One of the things I’ve really highlighted in my career is everything related to technology. We talk about AI and blockchain and data centers, and these are world I’ve lived in for a very long time.”

Bean is focused on restoring funding that has been withheld by the Trump administration, and on helping voters feel confident that their votes are being tabulated accurately in elections.

“We’ve got to restore some funding, and one of the bills I’m focused on is my (“My Vote’s Been Counted”) bill, where everyone can use current technology like you use at a bank and look up a deposit, you can look up their vote.”

Bean has said she hears from potential constituents about their desires, and that while some in the Democratic party want to again try to impeach President Donald Trump, her supporters have told her something different.

“We’ve had two impeachments. I’m sure there are some who want that to be the top of the order, but what I’m hearing from people is they want us to do the work,” she said.

Davis said she will not be a “rubber stamp” for the president if elected.

“Where I agree with Trump I will agree with Trump, but I have no problem disagreeing with Trump,” she said. “I will not be a rubber stamp for his agenda. I’ll be a rubber stamp for my district.”