Party affiliation and political roles
Adam Kinzinger is a former United States Representative from Illinois. He served as a Republican in the U.S. House from 2011 to 2023, representing Illinois’s 11th district and later the 16th district. He is best known as a Republican who frequently broke with his party on votes related to national security, fiscal issues, and electoral certification. This profile explains his party affiliation, major offices held, and how he voted on key matters including impeachment and certification of electoral votes.
Key offices held and timeline
Kinzinger’s elected and appointed career includes several milestones in federal and state office. Below is a summary of his major roles, years in office, and notable contexts.
| Position | Years | Jurisdiction | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Representative | 2011–2023 | Illinois | Served first the 11th district (2011–2013), then the 16th district (2013–2023) |
| Member, House Select Committee on the January 6 Attack | 2021–2022 | Federal | One of two Republicans appointed to the committee |
| Member, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence | 2019–2023 | Federal | Focused on national security and foreign intelligence issues |
| U.S. Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve officer | 2003–2015 | Federal service | Deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan |
Committee leadership and roles
Within the House, Kinzinger served on prominent committees and held roles that influenced policy output. His service on intelligence and homeland security panels aligned with his focus on national defense and election integrity. He also participated in select and joint committees tasked with investigating major events, such as the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.
Voting record and notable positions
Throughout his tenure, Kinzinger’s votes often set him apart from many in his party. He supported measures related to defense funding, fiscal responsibility, and oversight of election certification. Key high-profile positions include his votes on impeachment proceedings and the certification of the 2020 Electoral College results, where he broke with most Republican colleagues.
- Voted to impeach President Donald Trump in 2019 and 2021.
- Voted to certify the 2020 electoral votes on January 6, 2021.
- Supported defense authorizations and intelligence funding.
- Backed bipartisan investigations into national security and election administration.
Post-House activities and public statements
After leaving Congress, Kinzinger has participated in interviews, panels, and initiatives focused on democratic institutions and election integrity. He has discussed the January 6 attack, his experiences on the January 6 Select Committee, and the importance of institutional guardrails. These activities continue to shape public understanding of his positions and priorities.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which party did Adam Kinzinger belong to?
Kinzinger was a member of the Republican Party during his time in elected office.
What committee was he known for serving on?
He was known for serving on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the House Select Committee on the January 6 Attack.
Did he support or oppose the 2020 election certification?
He supported the certification of the 2020 election results.
What were some notable votes that distinguished his record?
He voted to impeach President Trump twice and to certify the 2020 Electoral College count, both of which diverged from many party-line votes.
Is he currently in elected office?
No, he is not currently serving in elected office as of the end of his House term in 2023.