Kinzinger stated that there is little to no desire for us to be able to reconcile our differences. Unity is not a word we use anymore. It is becoming increasingly clear that I can't focus on two things at once: a reelection in Congress and a larger fight for equality nationwide.
Kinzinger is friends with LaHood but faced difficult odds to return to Congress after spending much of his final years criticizing President Obama. He still has a strong grip on the GOP electorate.
Even before Democrats settled on a new congressional map it was clear that their plan was to demolish as many red states as possible. They would either shuffle incumbents or create their own districts, which would closely mirror their old seats. In a southern district, GOP Reps. Mike Bost & Mary Miller are also connected.
Kinzingers' colleagues quickly noticed that they are not surprised by his decision.
Adam was a good man and served our country well. However, his vocal views, votes, and directives were not in line with conservatives objectives, or directives, particularly with the radical socialist agenda we are fighting with today, stated Rep. Ralph Norman (R.S.C.), who is a member the House Freedom Caucus.
Trump celebrated the news quickly in a statement sent to reporters: "2 down, 8 to go!" he wrote.
As Kinzinger leaned into his criticisms of Trump and his GOP colleagues, questions about Kinzingers fate as a Congressman have been swirling for months. His Jan. 6 selection committee membership, at the request of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's, further complicated his relationships with Congress.
Kinzinger's decision was praised by far-right conservatives.
The House Freedom Caucus members held press conferences to call for Kevin McCarthy, the GOP leader, to approve a conference resolution which would have effectively removed Kinzinger (R-Wyo) and Rep. Liz Cheney. Another prominent Trump critic was removed from their committee assignments to take their seats on the panel that is examining the Capitol Insurrection.
Since my January visit to Congress, I have seen firsthand how Reps. Kinzinger & Cheney have done more harm than good to the Republican conference while working for Adam Schiff & Nancy Pelosi. This was what freshman Rep. Lauren Boebert (R.Colo.) stated in July during the campaign to remove Kinzinger. These members shouldn't be allowed to attend our closed-door private meetings. Why is he allowed to participate in those conversations when he confers with the opposition?
Marjorie Taylor Greene, freshman Rep. (R-Ga.), called Kinzinger a traitor of the Republican party for his opposition to Trump.
Kinzinger has also fought back against his fiercest critics by launching his Country First PAC to support other GOP candidates who voted for Trump's impeachment.
In his pre-recorded comments Friday, Kinzinger decried Republicans and Democrats for appealing to their "most motivated" and "extreme elements." However, he seemed to be referring to Trump's style of politics as well as the divisions created by former presidents election falsities.
He said, "We have allowed leaders to rise to power, selling the false notion that strength comes in degrading other people and dehumanizing others who look, act, or think differently from us." We have fallen for these lies as a nation. Now, we are facing a poisoned nation filled with outrage that blinds our ability to achieve real strength.
Gonzalez had already announced his retirement in October, well before Ohio's redistricting process was completed. Ex-Trump official Max Miller had already challenged Gonzalez.
The reelection prospects of the eight other pro-impeachment Republicans are varied. Cheney is facing a challenger who was endorsed by the ex-president. Rep. Tom Rice, South Carolina, has a well-funded rival. Representatives Jaime Herrera Beutler of Washington, Dan Newhouse from Washington, and Rep. David Valadao in California all live in states that have all-party primaries which could increase their chances.
Reps. Peter Meijer, Fred Upton of Michigan, and John Katko from New York all live in states that have yet completed their redistricting process.
Kinzinger was a former Air Force pilot and heavily relied on his military experience in his initial campaign. He is not a stranger to redistricting that isn't in his favor. He was drawn in 10 years ago with Republican Rep. Don Manzullo who was twice his senior and represented more territory than he did. Kinzinger defeated Manzullo by 54 percent to 46 percent in a primary.
His retirement is a sign that Republicans have less room for people who are not loyal to Trump. However, Kinzinger insists that he isn't done yet. He hasn't ruled out other, more prestigious offices such as the governor seat or possibly beyond.
He said that this is not the end of my political future.
