Kinzinger Decides Against Seeking Re-Election; Lines Being Drawn for 2022 Races

(ADAM KINZINGER)

The same day the new Illinois congressional remap was passed, northern Illinois congressman Adam Kinzinger announced he would not seek re-election.

In the remap, Kinzinger and fellow Republican congressman Darin LaHood were drawn into the same district. 

In a video message, Kinzinger said, "If I ever thought it was time to move on from Congress, I would, and that time is now."

LaHood, an hour later, announced he would seek re-election to what will be the 16th Congressional District.

Kinzinger said he would continue leading a "nationwide" fight through the political action committee he started earlier this year, Country First. He has been suggested as a Republican challenger for governor to incumbent Democrat J.B. Pritzker. 

Members of Congress do not have to live in the districts they represent. That gives Mary Miller of Oakland a couple of options. The Oakland Republican is now in what will be the 12th Congressional District, but so is Republican incumbent Mike Bost of Murphysboro, who announced Friday he will seek re-election. 

However, the re-drawn 15th Congressional District would be an option for Miller, since it contains much of the territory she now represents. That might also be an attractive option if incumbent Republican Rodney Davis of Taylorville decides to challenge Pritzker for governor.