Adam Kinzinger Biography Adam Daniel Kinzinger born February 27, 1978 is an American politician, senior political commentator for CNN, and a former lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard. He served as a U.S. Representative from Illinois from 2011 to 2023. A member of the Republican Party, Kinzinger initially represented Illinois’s 11th congressional district before transitioning to the 16th district after its merger with the 11th following the 2010 census. He defeated incumbent Don Manzullo in the Republican primary for the 16th district. Kinzinger gained significant attention for his outspoken opposition to Donald Trump’s claims of voter fraud and attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. He was one of 10 Republicans who voted to impeach Trump for incitement of insurrection during Trump’s second impeachment and later served on the select committee to investigate the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.
Adam Kinzinger Biography
Adam Kinzinger (Republican Party) served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Illinois’ 16th Congressional District from January 3, 2013, until his departure from office on January 3, 2023. Kinzinger initially entered the U.S. House in 2010, representing Illinois’ 11th Congressional District for two years before the district boundaries were redrawn. He ran for re-election in 2012 and was subsequently elected to represent the 16th District, a position he held for the remainder of his tenure. Before his congressional career, Kinzinger graduated from Illinois State University, won a seat on the McLean County Board, and served in the Air Force. During the 115th Congress, Kinzinger was appointed to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Foreign Affairs, where he contributed to various legislative efforts.
Adam Kinzinger Biography Details
| Born |
Adam Daniel Kinzinger
February 27, 1978 (age 46)
Kankakee, Illinois, U.S. |
| Political party |
Republican |
| Spouse |
Sofia Boza-Holman
(m. 2020) |
| Children |
1 |
| Education |
Illinois State University (BA) |
| Category |
Politician Biography |
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About Adam Kinzinger
Adam Daniel Kinzinger is an American politician, senior political commentator for CNN, and former lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard. He served as a United States representative from Illinois from 2011 to 2023.
- Born: 27 February 1978 (age 46 years), Kankakee, Illinois, United States
- Previous offices: Representative, IL 16th District (2013–2023), Representative, IL 11th District (2011–2013)
- Party: Republican Party
- Books: Renegade: Defending Democracy and Liberty in Our Divided Country
- Education: Illinois State University (2000), Normal Community West High School (1996)
- Parents: Rus Kinzinger, Betty Jo Kinzinger
- Previous campaigns: 2020 United States House of Representatives elections in Illinois
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Early Life, Education, and Political Beginnings
Kinzinger was born in Kankakee, Illinois, to Betty Jo, an elementary school teacher, and Rus Kinzinger, a CEO of faith-based organizations. While he spent part of his youth in Jacksonville, Florida, he was mainly raised in Bloomington, Illinois. He graduated from Normal Community West High School in 1996 and earned a degree in political science from Illinois State University in 2000.
While still a student, Kinzinger ran for a seat on the McLean County Board in 1998. At just 20 years old, he became one of the youngest members ever elected to the board by defeating an incumbent. Kinzinger served until 2003, when he resigned. He also worked as an intern for then-U.S. Senator Peter Fitzgerald shortly after graduating from Illinois State as part of a program offered by the university.
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Personal life
Adam Kinzinger was named the Wisconsin Red Cross’s “Hero of the Year” for his courageous act of wrestling a knife-wielding man to the ground and disarming him. The attacker had just slashed the throat of a woman on a downtown Milwaukee street. Reflecting on the incident, Kinzinger shared that he felt certain he would be stabbed in the process, but he knew he couldn’t live with the memory of watching the woman die. Thankfully, the woman survived. In recognition of his heroism, Kinzinger was awarded the United States Air Force Airman’s Medal and the National Guard’s Valley Forge Cross for Heroism. dditionally, Kinzinger was ranked 5th on The Hill’s 2011 “50 Most Beautiful People” list, which honors individuals who frequently work on Capitol Hill.
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Political Positions
As a lawmaker, Adam Kinzinger supported the idea of allowing concealed carry of firearms to be valid across state lines where it is legal. Kinzinger was one of eight Republican representatives who voted in favor of the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021, which aimed to expand background checks for gun buyers. In response to the tragic Robb Elementary School shooting on May 29, 2022, in which 22 people were killed, Kinzinger expressed his openness to the idea of an assault weapons ban.
Regarding health care, Kinzinger voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) in 2017. On economic issues, he opposed the Dodd-Frank Act, a financial reform law introduced after the 2008 financial crisis. Kinzinger earned a 94% lifetime rating from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a business-focused organization, and a 49% lifetime rating from the Club for Growth. A conservative group advocating for tax cuts, reduced government spending, deregulation, and free trade.
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Military service
Adam Kinzinger resigned from the McLean County Board in 2003 to enlist in the United States Air Force. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in November 2003 and later received his pilot wings. Initially, he served as a KC-135 Stratotanker pilot, flying missions in South America, Guam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He then transitioned to flying the RC-26 surveillance aircraft and was stationed in Iraq on two occasions. During his service in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, Kinzinger earned the Air Medal six times.
Kinzinger served in various commands, including the Air Force Special Operations Command. Air Combat Command, Air Mobility Command, and the Wisconsin Air National Guard. Earning promotions to the rank of lieutenant colonel. As part of his ongoing service with the Air National Guard, he was deployed to the U.S.–Mexico border in February 2019 to support border security efforts. Kinzinger retired from the Air National Guard after 20 years of service.
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What is the Net Worth of Adam Kinzinger
Adam Kinzinger’s net worth is estimated to be around $4 million, with the majority of his wealth coming from his time in Congress. His military service, and his subsequent involvement in media following his departure from politics. This financial growth stands out when compared to other prominent political figures. And his increase in net worth places him alongside several well-known names in the political arena.
