Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger announced Thursday the formation of a political action committee to support candidates who oppose President Trump.
The Illinois Republican unveiled Back the Bold, his PAC brainchild “to restore accountability in Washington and support leaders who are willing to fight for it.”
“For years, Washington has failed to hold itself accountable to the American people. Trust me, I lived it too,” he said in a video announcement.
Mr. Kinzinger said many politicians are afraid to tell the truth. As he spoke, the video showed images of House Speaker Mike Johnson, Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Jim Jordan, Ohio Republican.
“They’re afraid to show courage. They’ve become enablers, more focused on protecting themselves than protecting our democracy,” Mr. Kinzinger said. “Today we’re watching the rule of law bend to the will of one man because too few leaders are willing to stand up and say enough.”
While Mr. Kinzinger is a Republican, the PAC will support candidates who challenge the Trump administration, including Democrats and independents “willing to take on Republicans who put loyalty to Donald Trump over loyalty to America.”
The video featured photos of state Rep. James Talarico, Texas Democrat who is running for U.S. Senate against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton; Rep. Bennie Thompson, Mississippi Democrat, and former TV anchor Janelle Stelson, who is challenging Rep. Scott Perry, Pennsylvania Republican.
While the PAC would support Democrats and independents who “refuse to flinch,” he did not mention backing Republican candidates.
The Washington Times has reached out to Back the Bold for clarification.
“We need to make sure the politicians who enable his chaos never hold office again. If they won’t stand up for our democracy, then we’ll find leaders who will,” Mr. Kinzinger said.
The PAC will “invest in candidates who defend democratic institutions, respect the rule of law, and serve the public above politics,” according to its website.
The anti-Trump lawmaker represented Illinois in the House for 12 years, but following his vote to impeach Mr. Trump over the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol, he chose not to run for reelection. He announced his decision after the state Legislature approved a new map that combined his district with that of Republican Rep. Darin LaHood, a Trump ally.
Mr. Kinzinger was one of only two GOP members to serve on the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack. He emerged as one of the most vocal critics of Mr. Trump within the Republican Party, saying the former president willfully violated his constitutional oath by inciting an insurrection and failing to act during the Capitol riot.
