Adam Kinzinger facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Adam Kinzinger
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Official portrait, 2021
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois |
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| In office January 3, 2011 – January 3, 2023 |
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| Preceded by | Debbie Halvorson |
| Succeeded by | Darin LaHood (redistricting) |
| Constituency | 11th district (2011–2013) 16th district (2013–2023) |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Adam Daniel Kinzinger
February 27, 1978 Kankakee, Illinois, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Sofia Boza-Holman
(m. 2020) |
| Children | 1 |
| Education | Illinois State University (BA) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service |
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| Years of service | 2003–2023 |
| Rank | Lieutenant colonel |
| Unit | Wisconsin Air National Guard |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards | Air Medal (6) |
Adam Daniel Kinzinger (born February 27, 1978) is an American politician and former military officer. He was a member of the Republican Party. From 2011 to 2023, he served in the U.S. House of Representatives for the state of Illinois.
Kinzinger was first elected to Congress in 2010. After the 2020 presidential election, he became well-known for disagreeing with President Donald Trump's claims that the election was unfair. Kinzinger was one of two Republicans on a special committee that investigated the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
He chose not to run for reelection in 2022. After leaving Congress, he became a political commentator for CNN.
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Early Life and Education
Adam Kinzinger was born on February 27, 1978, in Kankakee, Illinois. His mother was an elementary school teacher, and his father was a CEO for faith-based groups. He grew up mostly in Bloomington, Illinois. In 1996, he graduated from Normal Community West High School. He later earned a degree in political science from Illinois State University in 2000.
While he was still a college student in 1998, Kinzinger ran for a spot on the McLean County Board. He won the election, becoming one of the youngest board members in the county's history at age 20.
Military Service
In 2003, Kinzinger joined the United States Air Force. He became a pilot and flew missions in South America, Guam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He flew a KC-135 Stratotanker, which is a refueling plane. Later, he flew a special surveillance plane called the RC-26.
For his service, he earned the Air Medal six times. He served in the Air National Guard for 20 years and retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
U.S. House of Representatives
Kinzinger served in the U.S. House of Representatives for 12 years. This part of Congress helps make laws for the country.
Elections
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In 2010, Kinzinger decided to run for Congress. He won the Republican primary election with 64% of the vote. In the main election, he defeated the Democratic candidate, Debbie Halvorson, to win a seat in the House.
After the 2010 census, the boundaries of his district were changed. He had to run against another Republican, Don Manzullo, in the 2012 primary. Kinzinger won that election and continued to represent Illinois. He won reelection several more times in 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020.
Time in Congress
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As a congressman, Kinzinger worked on many different issues. He sponsored a bill to help military veterans with medical training get jobs as emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in civilian life. The bill passed in the House but not the Senate.
He was known for being a bipartisan member of Congress. This means he often worked with members of the opposing political party. He voted for the Republican healthcare plan in 2017 and for the big tax cut bill that same year.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he received some criticism for tweets that blamed China for the virus.
Disagreement with Donald Trump
Kinzinger became a vocal critic of President Donald Trump, especially after the 2020 election. He did not agree with Trump's claims that the election was stolen. He also criticized Trump's actions related to the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.
On January 7, 2021, Kinzinger was the first Republican in the House to say that Trump should be removed from office. He later voted to impeach Trump, saying the president had broken his oath of office.
January 6th Committee
Because of his stance, Kinzinger was asked to join a special House committee to investigate the January 6th attack. He and Representative Liz Cheney were the only two Republicans on the committee. The committee held public hearings to show what they had learned about the attack.
The Republican National Committee officially disapproved of Kinzinger and Cheney for being part of the investigation.
In his farewell speech to Congress, Kinzinger warned about the dangers of conspiracy theories in politics. He criticized both Republicans and Democrats, saying both parties needed to do better to protect American democracy.
On October 29, 2021, Kinzinger announced he would not run for Congress again.
Political Positions
Kinzinger's views on issues often reflected his position as a Republican, but he sometimes broke with his party.
Domestic Issues
- Gun Policy: He supported the right for people to carry concealed firearms. In 2022, after a school shooting in Texas, he said he was open to the idea of a ban on certain types of rifles.
- Health Care: He voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act (also known as Obamacare) in 2017.
- LGBTQ Rights: Kinzinger's record on LGBTQ rights is mixed. He voted against the Equality Act, but he also sponsored a different bill to protect against discrimination. In 2022, he voted in favor of a law to protect the right to same-sex marriage in the U.S.
International Issues
- Russia and Ukraine: After Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Kinzinger strongly supported sending aid to Ukraine. He often spoke out against Republicans who wanted to stop the aid.
- Iran: He supported President Trump's decision to order a strike that killed a top Iranian general, Qasem Soleimani.
Country First Movement
In 2021, Kinzinger started a political action committee (PAC) called "Country First." The group's goal was to support politicians, both Republican and Democrat, who stood up against extremism in politics. The PAC raised over $1.1 million in its first few months.
Country First supported candidates in the 2022 elections who they believed would protect democracy. Before the 2024 election, the group supported Chris Christie for the Republican nomination. After President Joe Biden withdrew from the race, Kinzinger endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris.
Personal Life
In 2006, the Wisconsin Red Cross named Kinzinger its "Hero of the Year." He had stopped a man who was attacking a woman with a knife in Milwaukee. Kinzinger wrestled the man to the ground and took the knife away. The woman survived. For his bravery, he also received medals from the Air Force and the National Guard.
Kinzinger married Sofia Boza-Holman in 2020. She used to work for Vice President Mike Pence. They have one son, Christian, who was born in 2022.
Images for kids
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Kinzinger (second from right) at the Halifax International Security Forum
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Kinzinger with U.S. Ambassador to Canada Bruce Heyman and Representative Mike Pompeo
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Kinzinger in 2010
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Kinzinger's official Congressional photo from 2015
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Kinzinger's official Congressional photo from 2017
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See also
In Spanish: Adam Kinzinger para niños
