Kinzinger Still "Intends" to Run for Re-Election
Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-Channahon) in his Washington office in 2019. He says he’s still planning to run for Congress next year, but depending on delayed Congressional maps, he still isn’t ruling out a run for U.S. Senate.
There is no more divisive Illinois Republican than Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-Channahon).
As a frequent critic of extremist Republicans and former President Donald Trump, Kinzinger has won praise from some for his stance of reform in the GOP, but has soured relationships with party leaders both in Washington and at home who have continued to pledge their allegiance to Trumpism.
As Democrats draw new district boundaries, Kinzinger finds himself in a precarious position. Some believe he is unlikely to survive a primary against a pro-Trump challenger and want his district carved up into obsolescence. Other Democrats seemingly believe Kinzinger’s district, whatever it may look like, is a good “dumping ground” for Republican voters to protect suburban Democrat incumbents.
Speaking with media Thursday following introduction of legislation aimed at creation of more American manufacturing jobs, Kinzinger was mostly asked about redistricting and what it meant for his plans.
“I’ll tell you today, my intention is to run again for Congress,“ Kinzinger said. “Nothing has shifted [in my thinking]. You know, I’ve been through this before. Just like you’ve heard rumors they’re going to draw me out, I’ve heard rumors that I’m protected and, probably, none of them are true. I don’t think anybody has any clue right now.”
Kinzinger says, though, he is leaving the door open for a potential run for U.S. Senate next year.
At least six other Republicans have filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to challenge Kinzinger in his current 16th district even though no district lines have been drawn.
“Look, it’s going to be one hell of a fight,“ Kinzinger said. “I wish it wasn’t. Obviously, I wish we were in a different circumstance, but I’m compelled to tell the truth and I think it’s the right thing to do. I do know that I’m not taking anything for granted and everyday that goes by that there’s a new [Trump] press release sent out and there are stories that Trump actually believes he’ll be [reinstated as] President in August, sanity will have to prevail.”
As of April 1, Kinzinger had about $2.5 million in his campaign account. His most well-funded challenger, former Rauner campaign staffer and Trump Commerce Department employee Catalina Lauf, had around $100,000 in the bank.