Childhood and Education Journey of Adam Kinzinger in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Adam Kinzinger. A timeline of key moments.

Adam Kinzinger is an American politician, CNN political commentator, and former Air National Guard Lieutenant Colonel. He served as a U.S. Representative for Illinois from 2011 to 2023, initially representing the 11th and later the 16th congressional districts. While a Republican, he is known for his vocal criticism of Donald Trump and his role on the January 6th Committee. He chose not to seek reelection in 2022 and is now a senior political commentator.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

February 27, 1978: Adam Kinzinger Born

On February 27, 1978, Adam Daniel Kinzinger was born. He is an American politician, senior political commentator for CNN, and former lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard.

Others born on this day/year

2006: Kinzinger named "Hero of the Year" by Wisconsin Red Cross

In 2006, the Wisconsin Red Cross named Kinzinger its "Hero of the Year" for disarming a knife-wielding man who had cut a woman's throat in Milwaukee. Kinzinger also received the United States Air Force Airman's Medal and the National Guard's Valley Forge Cross for Heroism for his actions.

January 2009: Meets with Republican Representatives to discuss possible run for Congress

In January 2009, Adam Kinzinger met with Republican U.S. Representatives Mike Pence, Mark Kirk, and Peter Roskam to discuss a possible run for Congress.

May 2009: Starts Campaigning for Congress

In May 2009, Adam Kinzinger started campaigning full-time for Congress in Illinois's 11th congressional district after returning home from his 3rd tour in Iraq.

2011: Kinzinger engaged to Riki Meyers

In 2011, Kinzinger was engaged to Air Force Captain Riki Meyers, a fellow pilot.

2011: Kinzinger ranked on The Hill's "50 Most Beautiful People" list

In 2011, Kinzinger was ranked 5th on The Hill's annual "50 Most Beautiful People" list, recognizing individuals who work on Capitol Hill.

2012: Kinzinger and Riki Meyers break engagement

In 2012, Kinzinger and Air Force Captain Riki Meyers ended their engagement.

August 3, 2016: Announced he would not support Donald Trump

On August 3, 2016, Adam Kinzinger announced publicly that he would not support GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump. He also noted that he would not support Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, and was mulling other options.

February 2019: Deployed to Mexico-United States border

In February 2019, Adam Kinzinger was deployed to the Mexico–United States border as part of efforts to maintain border security as part of his continued service with the Air National Guard.

June 2019: Kinzinger engaged to Sofia Boza-Holman

In June 2019, Kinzinger became engaged to Sofia Boza-Holman, a former aide to John Boehner and aide to Vice President Mike Pence.

February 16, 2020: Kinzinger marries Sofia Boza-Holman

On February 16, 2020, Kinzinger married Sofia Boza-Holman.

January 6, 2021: Experiences January 6th Capitol Attack

On January 6, 2021, Adam Kinzinger had an uneasy feeling and asked his wife not to attend the joint session to certify the election. He also told his office staff not to come to work that day and took his Ruger LCP to the Capitol and to the Rayburn House Office Building. He barricaded the doors of his office and took out his gun during the Capitol attack.

January 2022: Kinzinger's son born

In January 2022, Kinzinger and Sofia Boza-Holman's son, Christian Adam Kinzinger, was born.

March 2023: Country First's "Break Free" Campaign

In March 2023, individuals wearing straitjackets walked through the United States Capitol building as part of Country First's "Break Free" campaign against political extremism.

October 2024: Shooting range accident involving Kinzinger and Kunce

In October 2024, during an event at a shooting range in Missouri with US Senate Candidate Lucas Kunce, a bullet fragment from an AR-15 struck a TV reporter. Kinzinger and Kunce administered first aid, and the reporter was hospitalized with a minor arm wound. The sheriff's office ruled the incident an accident.

2024: Country First supports Chris Christie and Kinzinger endorses Biden then Harris

In 2024, Country First solicited donations for Chris Christie's presidential campaign and donated to it themselves to ensure he would appear in the primary debate. Kinzinger initially endorsed President Joe Biden for re-election but later switched his endorsement to Kamala Harris after Biden withdrew from the election.