Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger is in a unique position as a Republican: On Thursday, he is set to deliver a prime-time speech on the final day of the Democratic National Convention, speaking in support of Vice President Kamala Harris before she accepts her party’s nomination for president.
Kinzinger, who retired from the House in 2023, has been a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump over the years, and although he describes himself as a “proud conservative,” he endorsed then-candidate Joe Biden for reelection in June.
“Donald Trump poses a direct threat to every fundamental American value,” Kinzinger said in his Biden endorsement video, mentioning Trump’s role in the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.
In this July 27, 2021 file photo, Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., speaks during a hearing for the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol in Washington.
Chip Somodevilla/Bloomberg via Getty Images, FILE
The former Illinois congressman sat on the House’s Jan. 6 select committee that investigated the attack. He was also one of the 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump on a charge of inciting the Jan. 6 attack.
“To every American of every political party, and those of none: I say now is not the time to watch quietly as Donald Trump threatens the future of America,” Kinzinger said in support of the Democratic ticket.
Republican former congressman Adam Kinzinger speaks during a Biden-Harris campaign press conference, June 26, 2024, in Atlanta.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images
Since Harris replaced Biden as the Democratic nominee, Kinzinger has supported the vice president, saying she stands for democracy.
“Donald Trump is a clear threat to the future of democracy, the future faith of democracy, and Kamala Harris has made it clear that she supports it even when we disagree on things,” he said on CNN earlier this month.
Kinzinger’s speech will round out a slate of Republicans who have spoken at the DNC this week, including former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, Mayor John Giles of Mesa, Arizona, former Trump White House national security official Olivia Troye and former Trump White House press secretary Stephania Grisham.
In this Dec. 19, 2022 file photo, Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., speaks during a hearing of the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol, in Washington.
Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images, FILE
In what’s expected to be a close contest between Harris and Trump in November, the Harris campaign is leaving no stone unturned, targeting Republicans and independents in their messaging and outreach.
GOP speakers at the DNC appear to be doing the same.
“The sometimes awkward alliance between the left, center, and sane right will prevail! We’re not going back,” Kinzinger posted to X on Wednesday.
Former Republican Representative Adam Kinzinger is set to join GOP speakers at the Democratic National Convention in support of Vice President Kamala Harris. This move comes as a surprise to many, as Kinzinger has been a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump and has been at odds with the Republican Party in recent years.
Kinzinger, who served in the House of Representatives from 2011 to 2021, has been a prominent voice in the Republican Party advocating for a more moderate and inclusive approach. He was one of the few Republicans who voted to impeach Trump following the January 6th Capitol insurrection, citing his belief in upholding the Constitution and the rule of law.
In a statement announcing his participation in the DNC, Kinzinger expressed his support for Vice President Harris and his belief that she is a strong leader who is dedicated to serving all Americans. He also emphasized the importance of bipartisanship and working across party lines to address the pressing issues facing the country.
Kinzinger’s decision to join GOP speakers at the DNC is a bold move that highlights the growing divide within the Republican Party. While some Republicans have remained loyal to Trump and his agenda, others like Kinzinger are seeking to chart a different course and promote a more inclusive and moderate vision for the party.
The inclusion of Kinzinger at the DNC is a signal that there are Republicans who are willing to break from the party line and work with Democrats to find common ground on important issues. It also underscores the importance of reaching across the aisle and building coalitions to address the challenges facing our nation.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Kinzinger’s decision to support Vice President Harris at the DNC will impact the Republican Party and the broader political discourse in the United States. Regardless of the outcome, his willingness to speak out and take a stand for what he believes in is a testament to his commitment to serving the American people.
