History of Adam Kinzinger in Timeline
Adam Kinzinger is a former US Representative for Illinois, serving from 2011 to 2023. He is a Republican and represented the 11th and later the 16th congressional districts. Beyond politics, Kinzinger is a lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard and currently works as a senior political commentator for CNN.
February 27, 1978: Birth of Adam Kinzinger
Adam Daniel Kinzinger was born on February 27, 1978, in Kankakee, Illinois.
1992: Don Manzullo's First Election to Congress
Don Manzullo, a Republican politician, was first elected to Congress in 1992, representing Illinois's 16th congressional district.
1996: High School Graduation
Adam Kinzinger graduated from Normal Community West High School in 1996.
1998: Election to McLean County Board
In 1998, while a student at Illinois State University, Adam Kinzinger was elected as a county board member in McLean County, Illinois, defeating an incumbent at the age of 20.
2000: College Graduation
Adam Kinzinger earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Illinois State University in 2000.
November 2003: Commissioning into the U.S. Air Force
Adam Kinzinger was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force in November 2003, marking the beginning of his military career.
2003: Resignation from McLean County Board
Adam Kinzinger resigned from the McLean County Board in 2003 to enlist in the United States Air Force.
2006: Kinzinger Honored as "Hero of the Year" for Disarming Attacker
In 2006, the Wisconsin Red Cross named Adam Kinzinger their "Hero of the Year" for his courageous act of disarming a knife-wielding man who had attacked a woman in downtown Milwaukee. Kinzinger, despite the risk to himself, wrestled the assailant to the ground, preventing further harm to the woman, who ultimately survived. For this act of bravery, he also received the United States Air Force Airman's Medal and the National Guard's Valley Forge Cross for Heroism.
January 2009: Exploration of Congressional Run
In January 2009, Adam Kinzinger had discussions with Republican U.S. Representatives Mike Pence, Mark Kirk, and Peter Roskam to explore a potential run for Congress.
May 2009: Commencement of Full-Time Campaigning
Upon returning from his third tour in Iraq, Adam Kinzinger initiated his full-time campaign for Congress in May 2009.
February 2, 2010: Victory in Republican Primary for 11th Congressional District
Adam Kinzinger secured victory in the Republican primary for Illinois's 11th congressional district on February 2, 2010, winning with 64% of the vote.
November 2, 2010: Congressional Election Victory Against Debbie Halvorson
On November 2, 2010, Adam Kinzinger won the general election for Illinois's 11th congressional district, defeating Democratic incumbent Debbie Halvorson with 57% of the vote.
2010: First Congressional Election
Adam Kinzinger was elected to Congress in 2010, representing Illinois's 11th congressional district.
2010: Pledge Against Tax-Increasing Global Warming Legislation
In 2010, Adam Kinzinger signed a pledge sponsored by Americans for Prosperity, committing to oppose any legislation addressing global warming that would result in higher taxes.
2011: Kinzinger Engaged to Air Force Captain Riki Meyers
In 2011, Adam Kinzinger was engaged to Air Force Captain Riki Meyers, a fellow pilot.
2011: Kinzinger Featured on "50 Most Beautiful People" List
Adam Kinzinger was recognized for more than just his political work when he was ranked 5th on The Hill's annual "50 Most Beautiful People" list in 2011. This list highlights individuals working on Capitol Hill.
2011: Start of Congressional Term
Adam Kinzinger began his tenure as a U.S. Representative for Illinois in 2011.
2012: Kinzinger and Riki Meyers End Engagement
Adam Kinzinger and Riki Meyers ended their engagement in 2012.
2013: Introduction of the Veteran Emergency Medical Technician Support Act
Adam Kinzinger sponsored the Veteran Emergency Medical Technician Support Act of 2013. This legislation, designed to facilitate the process for veterans with military emergency medical technician training to obtain civilian certifications for similar roles, was passed by the House of Representatives through a voice vote but was not put to a vote in the Senate.
June 5, 2014: Introduction of Bill on Thermal Insulation in Federal Buildings
On June 5, 2014, Adam Kinzinger introduced a bill requiring the US Secretary of Energy to report on the effects of thermal insulation on energy consumption and water systems in federal buildings, aiming to promote energy efficiency.
2014: Republican Primary Victory Against David Hale
Adam Kinzinger won the Republican primary for Illinois's 16th congressional district in 2014, defeating David Hale with 78% of the vote.
2014: Executive Order on Non-Discrimination
In 2014, President Obama signed an executive order prohibiting federal contractors from discriminating based on sexual orientation or gender identity in hiring.
2015: Support for Non-Discrimination in Hiring
In 2015, Kinzinger was among 60 Republicans who voted to uphold President Obama's 2014 executive order prohibiting federal contractors from discriminating based on sexual orientation or gender identity in hiring decisions.
March 2016: Introduction of the Countering Foreign Propaganda and Disinformation Act
In March 2016, Senators Chris Murphy and Rob Portman introduced the Countering Foreign Propaganda and Disinformation Act in the United States Senate. This bill, driven by mounting concerns over the spread of Russian propaganda during the 2016 presidential election, aimed to bolster national security by monitoring and countering external propaganda threats. Adam Kinzinger introduced the U.S. House version of this bipartisan bill.
March 2016: Unopposed Republican Primary Victory
In the March 2016 Republican primary for Illinois's 16th congressional district, Adam Kinzinger ran unopposed and secured victory with 100% of the vote.
August 3, 2016: Public Opposition to Donald Trump's Candidacy
On August 3, 2016, Adam Kinzinger publicly announced his refusal to support Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee. Kinzinger expressed his commitment to American principles over party loyalty, stating his belief that Trump contradicted fundamental Republican values. He also indicated his intention to explore alternative candidates besides Hillary Clinton.
November 30, 2016: Passage of Measure to Counter Foreign Propaganda
On November 30, 2016, U.S. lawmakers approved a provision within the National Defense Authorization Act aimed at countering foreign propaganda. This measure called for the U.S. State Department to establish an interagency panel to address foreign propaganda and authorized $160 million in funding over two years. This initiative stemmed from the Countering Foreign Propaganda and Disinformation Act, reflecting heightened concerns about the influence of Russian propaganda on the 2016 election.
2016: Support for the Maloney Amendment
In 2016, Kinzinger was one of 43 Republicans who voted in favor of the Maloney Amendment to H.R. 5055. The amendment aimed to prevent government funds from being used for contractors who discriminate against LGBT employees.
2017: Vote to Repeal the Affordable Care Act
In 2017, Kinzinger voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).
2017: Vote on Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
Adam Kinzinger voted in favor of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
2017: Vote on Republican Health Care Legislation
In 2017, Adam Kinzinger voted in favor of the Republican health care legislation, which aimed to repeal significant parts of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).
2018: Congressional Reelection and Status as Sole Chicago-Area Republican
Adam Kinzinger won reelection to Congress in 2018. Following the midterm elections, which saw the defeat of all other Republican representatives from the Chicago area, he became the sole Republican congressman representing a significant portion of northern Illinois.
February 2019: Deployment to U.S.-Mexico Border
In February 2019, as part of his service in the Air National Guard, Adam Kinzinger was deployed to the U.S.-Mexico border to support border security efforts.
June 2019: Kinzinger and Sofia Boza-Holman Announce Engagement
Adam Kinzinger and Sofia Boza-Holman announced their engagement in June 2019.
2019: First Vote Against the Equality Act
In 2019, Kinzinger voted against the Equality Act.
February 16, 2020: Kinzinger Marries Sofia Boza-Holman
Adam Kinzinger married Sofia Boza-Holman, a former aide to John Boehner and Mike Pence, on February 16, 2020.
December 2020: Public Criticism of Trump and Call for Twitter Removal
In December 2020, after the presidential election, Kinzinger publicly criticized Trump's claims of election fraud and called for him to delete his Twitter account following Trump's tweets reiterating those claims.
2020: Opposition to Trump's Election Claims
Following the 2020 presidential election, Adam Kinzinger became a vocal critic of President Donald Trump's assertions of voter fraud and efforts to overturn the election results.
2020: Oversight of January 6th Committee Hearing on Trump's Efforts to Overturn the Election
Kinzinger led the questioning in a hearing focused on Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results, highlighting his role in investigating the former president's actions.
2020: Vote on Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020
Kinzinger voted for the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020, which included provisions related to H-2B visas.
2020: Vote on Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020
Kinzinger voted on the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020, which contained provisions related to ICE's cooperation with Health and Human Services regarding unaccompanied alien children.
2020: Congressional Election Victory Against Dani Brzozowski
Adam Kinzinger secured victory against Democratic challenger Dani Brzozowski in the 2020 election, winning with 65% of the vote to retain his congressional seat.
January 6, 2021: January 6th Capitol Attack Experience
On January 6, 2021, Adam Kinzinger experienced the attack on the Capitol firsthand. He advised his wife and staff to stay away, brought his gun to the Capitol, and barricaded himself in his office after receiving a security alert.
January 7, 2021: Call for Trump's Removal from Office
On January 7, 2021, following the attack on the U.S. Capitol, Kinzinger became the first House Republican to call for Trump's removal from office through the 25th Amendment. He argued that Trump's actions demonstrated an inability to fulfill his presidential duties and a disconnect from reality.
February 4, 2021: Vote to Remove Marjorie Taylor Greene from Committees
On February 4, 2021, Adam Kinzinger joined a group of Republican House members in voting to remove Marjorie Taylor Greene from her committee assignments, a decision sparked by her controversial political statements.
February 24, 2021: Defense of Transgender Rights
On February 24, 2021, Kinzinger publicly criticized Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene for displaying a sign that denied the existence of transgender identities, deeming it hateful and driven by a desire for attention. He also criticized Tucker Carlson for mocking Pete Buttigieg's sexual orientation, defending Buttigieg's competence and labeling Carlson's comments as a cheap tactic for viewership.
March 11, 2021: Vote on Bipartisan Background Checks Act
Kinzinger joined a bipartisan group of representatives in voting for the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021, a move reflecting his stance on gun control.
March 2021: Vote on Bipartisan Background Checks Act
Kinzinger was among a group of Republicans who voted for the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021, showing a willingness to break from party lines on gun control.
April 9, 2021: Call for Matt Gaetz's Resignation
On April 9, 2021, Kinzinger publicly called for Matt Gaetz to step down amidst an investigation into sex trafficking allegations against him.
May 19, 2021: Vote for January 6th Commission
On May 19, 2021, Kinzinger joined all Democrats and a small group of Republicans in voting to create a national commission to investigate the January 6th Capitol attack, demonstrating his commitment to uncovering the truth about the event.
July 1, 2021: Opposition to Sanctions Against January 6th Committee Participants
Kinzinger expressed strong disapproval of potential sanctions against Republicans joining the January 6th investigation committee, signaling his commitment to holding those involved accountable.
September 5, 2021: Call for Truth and Warning Against Lies and Conspiracy Theories
In a CNN interview on September 5, 2021, Kinzinger emphasized the importance of truth-telling within his party, warning against the dangers of embracing lies and conspiracy theories. He suggested that such actions could jeopardize the party's chances in the 2022 elections.
October 21, 2021: Vote to Hold Steve Bannon in Contempt
On October 21, 2021, Kinzinger was one of nine House Republicans who voted to hold Steve Bannon, an ally of Donald Trump, in contempt of Congress. This vote was due to Bannon's refusal to comply with a subpoena issued by the January 6 Committee.
October 29, 2021: Announcement of Retirement from Congress
On October 29, 2021, following redistricting that placed him in the same district as another Republican incumbent, Kinzinger announced his decision not to seek reelection in 2022.
November 5, 2021: Vote for Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
On November 5, 2021, breaking with his party, Kinzinger was among a small group of Republicans who voted in favor of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, demonstrating his support for bipartisan efforts on infrastructure.
November 14, 2021: Kinzinger Expresses Regret Over First Impeachment Vote, Criticizes Tucker Carlson
On November 14, 2021, in an interview with Rolling Stone, Adam Kinzinger expressed regret for voting against Donald Trump's first impeachment, stating he would have voted differently in retrospect. He also strongly criticized media personality Tucker Carlson, calling him a "manipulative son of a bitch."
2021: Kinzinger Establishes Country First PAC
Adam Kinzinger launched the Country First PAC in early 2021, following the January 6th Capitol attack. The PAC aimed to counter Donald Trump's influence within the Republican party and promote reform by distancing it from far-right conspiracies, such as QAnon. It raised significant funds in its first quarter.
2021: Sponsorship of the Fairness for All Act
In 2021, Kinzinger was among 21 House Republicans who co-sponsored the Fairness for All Act, a Republican-backed alternative to the Equality Act. The bill aimed to prevent discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity while safeguarding religious freedom.
2021: Vote to Impeach Trump and Appointment to January 6th Committee
In 2021, Adam Kinzinger was one of ten Republicans who voted to impeach President Trump for incitement of insurrection. He also supported the formation of a select committee to investigate the January 6th Capitol attack and was subsequently appointed to serve on the committee.
2021: Second Vote Against the Equality Act
In 2021, Kinzinger again voted against the Equality Act. Despite this, he reaffirmed his support for the LGBT community and expressed his commitment to finding a compromise that balanced LGBT rights with religious liberty.
January 2022: Kinzinger and Sofia Boza-Holman Welcome Son
Adam Kinzinger and Sofia Boza-Holman welcomed their son, Christian Adam Kinzinger, in January 2022.
February 4, 2022: Censure by Republican National Committee
The Republican National Committee formally censured Kinzinger, along with Liz Cheney, on February 4, 2022, for their involvement in the House investigation of the January 6th Capitol attack, highlighting the deep divisions within the party.
February 2022: Start of Support for Ukraine
In February 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine, Kinzinger began vocally supporting aid for Ukraine, a stance he maintained until the end of his term. He became a notable voice in Congress on this issue, actively using social media to advocate for Ukraine. He also joined NAFO, a pro-Ukrainian online group focused on combating misinformation. His stance contrasted with some Republicans who opposed aiding Ukraine, leading to Kinzinger accusing those who were against the aid, such as House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, of indirectly supporting the enemy.
May 29, 2022: Openness to Assault Weapons Ban
Following the tragic Robb Elementary School shooting in May 2022, Kinzinger expressed openness to considering an assault weapons ban, signaling a potential shift in his stance on gun control.
June 23, 2022: Leading Role in January 6th Committee Hearing
As a member of the January 6th attack investigation committee, Kinzinger played a key role, leading the questioning of witnesses, including former Department of Justice officials, during the fifth public hearing on June 23, 2022.
July 19, 2022: Initial Vote for the Respect for Marriage Act
On July 19, 2022, Kinzinger joined 46 other Republican representatives in voting for the Respect for Marriage Act, a bill that sought to legally protect same-sex marriage under federal law.
July 21, 2022: Kinzinger and Luria Lead Questioning in January 6th Committee Hearing
On July 21, 2022, Adam Kinzinger and Elaine Luria were chosen to lead the questioning during the eighth televised hearing of the January 6th Committee, signifying their prominent roles in the investigation.
August 16, 2022: Kinzinger Addresses Trump's Association with Religious Figures
During an MSNBC interview on August 16, 2022, Kinzinger raised concerns about some individuals equating Donald Trump with Jesus Christ. He suggested that this association creates a scenario where opposing Trump is perceived as an attack on Christian values.
December 8, 2022: Absence from Final Vote on Same-Sex Marriage
On December 8, 2022, during the final vote on the Respect for Marriage Act, Kinzinger was absent but had reportedly intended to vote in favor of the act.
December 15, 2022: Farewell Address to Congress
In his farewell address to Congress on December 15, 2022, Kinzinger issued a stark warning about the dangers of conspiracy theories and misinformation, emphasizing the threats they pose to democracy and the rise of authoritarianism.
2022: Retirement from Congress
Kinzinger retired from Congress in 2022 after deciding not to seek reelection.
2022: Potential Impact of Lies and Conspiracy Theories on 2022 Elections
Kinzinger expressed concerns about the potential negative impact of lies and conspiracy theories on the Republican Party's performance in the 2022 elections.
2022: Vote on America COMPETES Act
Breaking from his party, Kinzinger was the sole Republican to vote for the America COMPETES Act in 2022, defying his party's stance and demonstrating his support for the bill's aims.
2022: Country First PAC Supports Pro-Democracy Candidates in Midterm Elections
During the 2022 midterm elections, Country First focused on supporting candidates who opposed election denialism, particularly in secretary of state races due to their role in overseeing the 2024 presidential election. Kinzinger, through the PAC, endorsed a diverse range of candidates from Democrats and Republicans to independents, including notable figures such as Evan McMullin, Brad Raffensperger, Katie Hobbs, Josh Shapiro, and Lisa Murkowski.
2022: Decision Against Reelection and CNN Commentary Role
In 2022, Adam Kinzinger announced his decision not to seek reelection to Congress. Following his departure from office, he joined CNN as a senior political commentator.
2022: Support for the Global Respect Act
In 2022, Kinzinger was one of six Republicans who voted for the Global Respect Act. This act aims to impose sanctions on foreign individuals who are found to have violated the internationally recognized human rights of LGBTQI individuals.
2022: Continued Support for Ukraine
Throughout 2022, Kinzinger consistently supported Ukraine through his votes, including backing the Ukraine Democracy Defense Lend-Lease Act. He advocated for various measures such as supporting the Ukrainian people, suspending trade with Russia and Belarus, and renewing aid for Ukraine. In May 2022, he introduced a resolution authorizing the U.S. military to intervene if Russia used chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons in Ukraine. A month later, he sponsored a bill to train Ukrainian pilots on F-15 and F-16 fighter jets.
January 4, 2023: Joining CNN as Senior Political Commentator
After leaving Congress, Kinzinger joined CNN as a senior political commentator on January 4, 2023, continuing his engagement in political discourse.
February 2023: Kinzinger Announces Forthcoming Book "Renegade"
In February 2023, Adam Kinzinger announced the release of his book "Renegade: My Life in Faith, the Military, and Defending America from Trump's Attack on Democracy," scheduled for publication in October 2023 by Penguin Random House.
March 2023: Country First Launches "Break Free" Campaign Against Political Extremism
In a striking visual statement against political extremism, individuals wearing straitjackets appeared in the United States Capitol building in March 2023 as part of Country First's "Break Free" campaign.
October 2023: "Renegade: My Life in Faith, the Military, and Defending America from Trump's Attack on Democracy" Published
Adam Kinzinger's book, "Renegade: My Life in Faith, the Military, and Defending America from Trump's Attack on Democracy," was published in October 2023 by Penguin Random House.
2023: End of Congressional Term and CNN Role
Adam Kinzinger concluded his service as a U.S. Representative in 2023 and transitioned to a role as a senior political commentator for CNN.
2023: Country First Campaigns Against Janel Brandtjen in Wisconsin Senate Race
During the 2023 Wisconsin special election for a Senate seat, Country First actively campaigned against Trump-supported candidate Janel Brandtjen in the Republican primary. The PAC ran negative advertisements to prevent her victory, and ultimately, Brandtjen did not win the primary.
2024: Country First Supports Chris Christie's Presidential Campaign
Leading up to the 2024 Republican Party presidential primaries, Country First actively supported Chris Christie's campaign. They urged donors to contribute to his campaign, aiming to secure his participation in the primary debates. Country First itself also made donations to Christie's campaign.