16th Congressional District: Channahon's Kinzinger Seeks 6th Term

CHANNAHON, IL — After serving 1o years in Congress, Channahon U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger is seeking a sixth term in office. This time, he faces a challenge from Dani Brzozowski of LaSalle. The 16th Congressional District stretches across 14 northern Illinois counties.

According to his Congressional biography, the 42-year-old Kinzinger was born in Kankakee and graduated from Normal West in Normal. He obtained his bachelor's from Illinois State and worked as a sales representative. Before joining Congress, Kinzinger served in the Air Force in both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

"Congressman Kinzinger is one of the youngest Members of Congress, yet he ranks in the top half of seniority in the full House of Representatives. He was named ‘A Republican Role Model for 2017’ by the Washington Post and is frequently applauded for his pragmatic approach to the myriad of issues facing America, and the world," his congressional biography notes.

According to his website, Kinzinger "was among the first members of Congress to call for airstrikes against ISIS. He continues to focus on eradicating this threat with a comprehensive and detailed strategy."

In Washington, D.C., Kinzinger serves on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the House Foreign Affairs Committee. His top priorities include strengthening U.S. energy policy and making our nation less reliant on foreign resources as well as bolstering the strength of our national security — both at home and abroad," his bio noted.

Two years ago, Kinzinger won a fifth term in Congress by defeating Rockford immigration attorney Sara Dady by a margin of 59 percent to 41 percent of the vote.

So who is Kinzinger's Democratic challenger?

According to her campaign website, Brzozowski is a first generation college graduate.

"I know the struggles that come with that. During my time at Purdue University, I gave my life over to service to others," she informs voters. "I’ve worked in education because I understand that in order to build this country, we need to first layout an equitable foundation for our young people. My family of fighters, and immigrants have taught me to fight for a better world, not just for myself, but for everyone."

So why is Brzozowski running to unseat Kinzinger?

"I decided to run for U.S. Congress in Illinois’ 16th District because through all those years of service, I’ve seen people struggling even in the wealthiest nation on the planet," her campaign website states. "I believe in America, I believe in American democracy, and I believe that the current systems and structures have failed people in districts like mine. I want to give those people throughout IL-16 a voice and show them that America can work for them."

She said her campaign is about giving the Illinois 16th District back to the people who live here.

Brzozowski's website lists several organizations that support her candidacy including Planned Parenthood, National Organization For Women, End Citizens United, Congressional Black Caucus PAC, Sierra Club, Vote Pro Choice and Alliance For Retired Americans.

According to Brzozowski, her campaign is based on five key issues:

Social justice

"Now more than ever, we must fight to ensure that all who are in this country are equal before the law. We must fight to make sure that Black Americans are treated equitably in our society and in IL-16."

Economic justice

"We must fight for workers’ rights by supporting unions and opposing legislation that further empowers corporations and the wealthy at the expense of the working class."

Environmental justice

"Here in Illinois’ 16th District, look no further than the now-annual flooding along the Illinois River that damages businesses and destroys farmland. Pollution is taking a toll on our communities, too. There are 14 EPA superfund sites in IL-16."

Political justice

"Corporations should not have a bigger seat in Washington than the people of IL-16. Big money donors have now come to run our government, and are one of the major reasons for gridlock and polarization in our politics."

Safety and National Security

"Our kids in Illinois’ 16th District deserve to feel safe in school and in the streets. Our soldiers and veterans and their families deserve a country that doesn’t treat their lives as expendable. All Americans deserve to be free from the sense of fear."

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