Monique DeSpain spent several decades serving in the United States Air Force, Air Force Reserve, and Oregon Air National Guard, culminating in a retirement as a Colonel. Concurrently, DeSpain held a career as a lawyer with the Judge Advocate General’s Corps, gaining international experience in various locations. She also worked as a legal consultant, focusing on policy development, Veterans’ affairs, litigation, and alternative dispute resolution. DeSpain has experience in non-profit leadership, having volunteered with the Center for Dialogue & Resolution, where she served in various capacities, including President. She later joined a private law firm, advocating for crime victims, business owners, and Oregonians, before transitioning to a non-profit to address homelessness, addiction, and crime in Oregon communities.

Monique DeSpain combines a military background with a sharp focus on border security and national defense, advocating for aggressive measures against terrorism and China. Her stance on immigration reform and public safety reflects a stringent approach, rejecting the "Housing First" model in favor of addressing addiction and mental illness as primary solutions. DeSpain's economic policy prioritizes job creation and deregulation, while her energy stance supports an "all of the above" strategy, balancing environmental concerns with energy independence. Her commitment to government transparency and accountability aims to combat wasteful spending and corruption.