The congressman from Illinois would have faced a tough race had he tried for a seventh term
Republican Adam Kinzinger will not seek election to the House of Representatives for the seventh time, but he says his political career is only beginning. The 43-year-old congressman from Illinois announced in a nearly five-minute video on Twitter Friday that he will be better able to help the “poisoned country” through “an incredibly perilous time” if he doesn’t have to focus on campaigning over the next year. The Air Force veteran started his monologue, which is accompanied by a generic soundtrack, by reflecting on his 2009 return from Iraq and his successful 2010 House campaign. He said he told himself then, that when he felt it was time to step away from Congress, he would. “And that time is now,” he said. “But let me be clear, my passion for this country has only grown. My desire to make a difference is bigger than it’s ever been. My disappointment in the leaders that don’t lead is huge.” Kinzinger established himself as a GOP maverick when he voted to impeach fellow Republican Donald Trump in January, then volunteered to join the congressional committee investigating the Jan.6 insurrection. Only one other Republican, Liz Cheney, sits on that committee. “In bad moments someone has always arisen to lead — government for, of and by the people always prevails,” Kinzinger said.
