Kinzinger "Done" With Elected Office "For Now"
Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-Channahon), who has drawn ire from many Republicans for his criticism of former President Donald Trump, says he is “done” with elected office “for now.”
Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Channahon), once a golden boy of Republican politics turned black sheep of his party, says he is “done” with seeking elected office for the time being.
Kinzinger is one of only 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach President Donald Trump following the January 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol. He has earned the ire of millions of Trump supporters and is one of only two Republicans to sit on the special January 6th Commission investigating Trump’s role in the riot.
Kinzinger was drawn out of his current 16th Congressional district and into a potential primary with Congressman Darin LaHood (R-Peoria). Kinzinger chose not to seek re-election instead.
I spoke with Kinzinger Monday on WMAY Radio in Springfield. He said he’s pessimistic about the future of the GOP.
“The GOP has become, lately, a very angry party,” he said. “A party focused on grievance, division, and I think a party that is very spoiled to an extent. We have a lot going on for us as a nation, but instead we go and peddle fear.”
But, Kinzinger says, there’s no doubt in his mind speaking out against Trump and the failures of his own party were the right thing to do.
“I have no regrets about speaking out because somebody's got to. It's not necessarily courageous, I just think it's rare, unfortunately.”
The January 6th commission continues its work investigating Trump’s role in the riot at the Capitol. Kinzinger says he didn’t expect the commission to have as much impact as it is.
“I’m surprised at how much of a difference we’re making,” Kinzinger said. “The impact isn’t going to be in the angry viewers of angry media, it’s going to be in their kids. I truly believe that in five or ten years, you’re not going to find anybody who will admit to having supported Donald Trump. Ever.”
Kinzinger said more proof will come out that Trump tried to go to the Capitol on January 6th, though he wouldn’t elaborate.
Leaving office in January, Kinzinger says he will devote his time to his Country First Political Action Committee so he can try to help find a way to return Republicans to their traditional beliefs.
“The best way to describe how I feel is politically homeless,” he said. “I think a lot of people in this country feel politically homeless. I’m a Republican, I identify as a Republican that used to exist. I don’t feel at home in the current party.”
He denied reports that he and Wyoming Congresswoman Liz Cheney have discussed a run on a national ticket in 2024.
“I’m done for now,” he said. “I need a break. I look forward to being involved without the same day-to-day congressional fights, but there’s no way I’m done with my activism and I certainly would keep open the possibility of running for office again in the future. It really just depends on doing what’s right at the right time and that’s kind of where I’m at right now.”