Monique DeSpain retired as a Colonel from a distinguished career in the United States Air Force, Air Force Reserve, and Oregon Air National Guard, where she served as a lawyer in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. Concurrently, she worked as a legal consultant for businesses and family matters. DeSpain transitioned to the private sector, joining a law firm focused on representing crime victims, business owners, and Oregonians. She has also contributed to non-profit efforts addressing homelessness, addiction, and crime in Oregon communities.

Monique DeSpain's political identity is marked by a blend of traditional conservative values with a strong emphasis on national security and law enforcement. Her military background informs a "peace through strength" foreign policy, particularly against China, and a commitment to robust border security and immigration enforcement. DeSpain's unique ideological positioning emerges in her support for re-criminalizing drug use and opposing defunded police, revealing a hardline stance on public safety. Furthermore, her advocacy for reducing bureaucratic red tape in environmental policies and returning education control to local stakeholders showcases an ideologically agile approach that balances conservative principles with localized governance.