During a primetime slot at the Democratic National Convention on Thursday night, Adam Kinzinger, a former Republican congressman from Illinois and a vocal critic of Donald Trump, discussed the unconventional “awkward alliance” he has formed with Democrats to combat the former president.
Kinzinger, who has identified as a Republican since childhood, expressed surprise at his presence at the Democratic event. He shared insights about the Democratic Party, stating, “The Democrats are as patriotic as us. They love this country just as much as we do, and they are as eager to defend American values at home and abroad as we conservatives have ever been.”
Having represented parts of Chicago’s southwest suburbs and rural north-central Illinois for 12 years, Kinzinger often took a stand against Trump despite holding conservative views, especially regarding foreign policy.
He criticized the current direction of the Republican Party, claiming it has “no longer [been] conservative” and has instead “switched its allegiance” to Trump, describing him as self-serving. Kinzinger remarked, “Donald Trump is a weak man pretending to be strong… He puts on quite a show, but there is no real strength there.”
Kinzinger’s break with Trump was solidified after the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, which he labeled a “threat” to the nation. He was one of ten Republican lawmakers to vote for Trump’s impeachment related to the events of that day. Additionally, he served on the House committee investigating the Capitol riots and efforts to overturn the 2020 election, being one of only two Republicans to participate. He chose not to seek reelection in 2022.
Having moved to Texas since leaving Congress, Kinzinger has used a political action committee he established to back candidates opposed to Trump. He stated, “Donald Trump has suffocated the soul of the Republican Party,” claiming his influence has weakened the party and diverted it from its core values.
Despite facing backlash from his party, Kinzinger expressed a shared commitment to the principles of law, democracy, and the Constitution with Democrats like Kamala Harris, urging Republican voters to support her. “If you think those principles are worth defending, then I urge you: Make the right choice. Vote for our bedrock values and vote for Kamala Harris,” he said.
Kinzinger spoke to CBS News Chicago about the personal ramifications of his stance against Trump, although he has also received support from some Republicans who share his views. Pat Brady, former chair of the Illinois Republican Party, suggested that Kinzinger’s endorsement could appeal to voters who are uncomfortable with Trump but may hesitate to back a Democrat. “There are people like Adam and myself that just aren’t going to vote for anybody that did that,” Brady remarked, referencing Trump’s actions leading to the Capitol riot.