A fundraiser in support of Melissa Luburich Bean, the Democratic candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in Illinois’ 8th Congressional District, was held in Chicago on Sunday, August 16. The event was hosted by Jovan and Helen Govedarica, John Kamenich, Denise Trilovich, Nenad Djordjevic, Dragan Kovacevic, and Goran Davidovac.
Melissa Bean, born Milica Luburich, is a Serbian-American politician and a well-known figure in Illinois politics. Born in Chicago in 1962, she grew up in the city’s suburbs. She attended Oakton Community College and later graduated from Roosevelt University. Before entering politics, Bean built her career in the private sector, holding management positions at technology companies before establishing her own consulting firm.
Back in the Race for Congress
This is not Bean’s first bid for a seat in Washington. She was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2004 and represented Illinois’ 8th Congressional District from 2005 to 2011, serving three consecutive terms. During her six years in Congress, she served, among other assignments, on the House Committee on Financial Services and the House Committee on Small Business. 
Fifteen years later, Bean is seeking a return to Congress. She won the Democratic nomination for Illinois’ 8th Congressional District in the March primary and will now compete for the seat in the November election. Her candidacy is of particular interest to the Serbian community in Chicago and across Illinois, as her victory would once again bring a politician of Serbian heritage to the U.S. Congress.
The Chicago gathering also reflected Bean’s Serbian roots. Guests were treated to traditional Serbian dishes, including sarma, ćevapi, and pita, while the event gave Bean an opportunity to present her candidacy directly to members of the Serbian community ahead of the November election.
The Chicago na dlanu team also attended the event and will continue to follow Melissa Bean’s campaign and her bid to return to the U.S. Congress.
Photo: Milan Brašanac
View the Photo Gallery From This Event
