Former Republican Representative Adam Kinzinger of Illinois has officially endorsed President Joe Biden‘s bid for reelection.
Kinzinger’s endorsement comes just a day before the first presidential debate between Biden and former President Donald Trump.
Kinzinger shared his endorsement through a video posted online. In it, he described himself as a “proud conservative” while also labeling Trump as a threat to American principles.
“I’ve always put democracy and our Constitution above all else. It’s because of my unwavering support for democracy that today, as a proud conservative, I’m endorsing Joe Biden for reelection,” Kinzinger stated.
President Biden’s official X account quickly picked up on Kinzinger’s post, retweeting it with the comment: “This is what putting your country before your party looks like.” Biden himself expressed gratitude, adding, “I’m grateful for your endorsement, Adam.”
From Congress to Commentary
Known for his outspoken criticism of Trump, Kinzinger served as one of only two Republicans on the Jan. 6 committee. After leaving Congress, he joined CNN as a senior political commentator.
In his debut interview in his new role, he did not hesitate to criticize other Republicans, specifically calling out then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy during a conversation with Don Lemon.
Personal Costs of Political Stances
The ex-congressman’s anti-Trump stance has not come without personal cost. Kinzinger, who rose to prominence during the Tea Party wave of 2010, revealed that his family had disowned him because of his political views. He shared a poignant story about receiving a certified letter from his family, accusing him of losing the trust of prominent figures like Fox News host Sean Hannity.
“So, I had family that sent a certified letter disowning me. They said I’ve lost the trust of great men like Sean Hannity, which is funny, but they believe that. They said I was a member of the devil’s army,” Kinzinger recounted in an interview with Anderson Cooper in October 2023.
Kinzinger is a veteran of the Air National Guard, where he achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and flew missions in both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
He was a highly recruited candidate by the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) in 2010. The NRCC identified him that year as a strong contender to unseat the Democratic incumbent, Debbie Halvorson, in Illinois’ 11th congressional district.
Kinzinger served six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives before Illinois Democrats eliminated his district through a highly-partisan redistricting process.
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