Adam Kinzinger named to Time100 Next list of emerging leaders

Time magazine named U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger to its 2021 Time100 Next list of emerging leaders. The congressman’s profile on the Time100 Next webpage features a testimonial by Maryland GOP Gov. Larry Hogan, who said Kinzinger, R-Channahon, “proved the measure of his courage” in being the first Republican to call for former President Donald Trump’s removal from office via the 25th Amendment after the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

“Over the past few months, Congressman Adam Kinzinger has stood up for the truth when it was most challenging and least convenient. ... Through his example, Adam is paving the way for others to follow their conscience,” Hogan wrote.

Kinzinger was one of two House Republicans to vote in favor of both impeachment and to shed U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Georgia, of her committee posts. After the election, Kinzinger was outspoken that Trump needed to accept the election results.

Kinzinger has since created the Country First PAC in an effort to steer the Republican Party away from Trump.

He has faced some criticism from within his party, including two censures from counties within his district, La Salle and Iroquois counties.

“I’m humbled by this recognition & honored to be named to TIME100 list of influential people for 2021,” Kinzinger wrote on Twitter. “We need leadership in this country, and I’m at peace with my decisions and the risks that come with standing for what is right.”

Kinzinger was named with 21 other selections under a category titled “leaders.”

“After serving two tours of duty in Iraq, Adam knows what it really means to sacrifice for your country,” Hogan said of Kinzinger. “He understands that the willingness to do so is the minimum requirement of leadership. No job or title is worth more than your integrity.”

Hogan concluded his excerpt by saying Kinzinger “will be remembered well by history.”

The Time100 Next list is designed to highlight 100 emerging leaders in the future of business, entertainment, sports, politics, health, science and activism. The list includes poet Amanda Gorman, who recited her poetry during the presidential inauguration and during the Super Bowl; quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who is expected to be the first pick in the NFL draft; U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Nebraska; and others.

The full list of Time100 Next selections will appear in the March 1/March 8 issue of Time, which will be available to purchase Friday, Feb. 19, and online at time.com/next.