Biography

Adam Kinzinger was first sworn into the United States House of Representative  in January 2011.  He serves as the Representative for the Eleventh Congressional District of Illinois and sits on the Energy & Commerce Committee, one of the oldest standing committees of the House of Representatives.

Strengthening U.S. energy policy and making our nation less reliant on foreign resources is a top priority for Kinzinger in Congress.  The Eleventh District is home to three nuclear power plants, miles of windmills, hydropower plants, ethanol and biodiesel plants and an oil refinery. The nuclear energy production alone employs more than 2,500 people throughout the District.  As a result, he is committed to advancing nuclear production at home and focusing on energy independence

Another focal point for Kinzinger in Congress is increased accessibility to his constituents throughout the Eleventh District, which is essential to develop and grow public trust. Kinzinger intends to provide constituents with an open and direct line of communication to their federal government on matters facing the Energy & Commerce Committee.

Before he was sworn into office, Kinzinger was named to the House Majority Transition Team.  This team was made up of 22 incoming and current House Members who are proven reformers and offer a fresh perspective to restore government into the hands of the people.  The transition team proposed solutions to ensure the new Majority would serve as the people’s voice and implement the proposals that Americans are demanding. 

Kinzinger also serves as a Deputy Republican Whip.

At the age of 34, Kinzinger is one of the youngest Members of Congress and was named one of Time Magazine's 40 under 40 “Rising stars in American politics.”

Education and Early Career

Adam Kinzinger became active in his community early on.  As a 20-year old sophomore at Illinois State University (ISU), he challenged a three-term incumbent for the McLean County Board.  Kinzinger advocated for restoring local government back into the hands of the people and won a seat on the board, becoming one of the youngest county board members in McLean County history.

During his service on the board, Kinzinger fought for the people’s priorities—Opposing pay raises for elected officials; Fighting against taxes on small businesses; And, supporting measures for increased transparency and public participation in county government.  He made constituent services a top priority and was easily accessible to all members of his community. 

Kinzinger earned his undergraduate degree from ISU in 2000.  He served on the McLean County Board from 1998-2003.

Military Experience

After serving on the McLean County Board for five years, Kinzinger joined the United States Air Force. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in November 2003 and later awarded his pilot wings. He has served in the Air Force Special Operations, Air Combat Command, Air Mobility Command, and Air National Guard.  He has the current rank of Major.

Kinzinger continues to serve his country as a pilot in the Air National Guard as a Member of Congress.

Awards and Honors

Kinzinger has been recognized for his civic service both in and out of uniform.

In 2007, he received the United States Air Force Airman's Medal for saving the life of a young woman whom was violently attacked.  He wrestled the knife away from the attacker and pinned him to the ground until the police arrived. He was also awarded the National Guard's Valley Forge Cross for Heroism and was selected as the Southeastern Wisconsin American Red Cross Hero of the Year.

Kinzinger has earned the Air Medal six times serving in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

Family

Adam Kinzinger’s roots run deep across the Eleventh District.  He was born in Kankakee, grew up in Bloomington, and now resides in Channahon.  His mother, Jodi, is an elementary schoolteacher, and his father Rus is a former CEO of two faith-based organizations.  His parents instilled in him and his two siblings the importance of hard work and responsiveness through public service to the needs of those throughout our communities.