In 2022, Eric Sorensen won 52-48% in Illinois’s 17th Congressional District, replacing the retired Cheri Bustos. He beat five other Democrats in a crowded primary to win the nomination. After redistricting, the seat has a partisan lean of D+2, but it remains one of the most competitive races in the country. Council for a Livable World endorsed Rep. Sorensen in his last election.
Sorensen was born and raised in Rockford, Illinois, and had been the local news meteorologist in Rockford and then in Moline, Illinois, for 22 years. He is the first openly gay member elected to Congress from the state of Illinois.
Sorensen took climate change head-on, honestly communicating about its effects on news stories. He is bringing that same honest communication to Congress on climate change and other issues affecting his constituents and the country.
Sorensen supports renewed arms control negotiations with Russia and opposes the development of wasteful new nuclear weapons. He also believes in diplomatic efforts to bring China to the table on nuclear issues.
He serves on the House Agriculture Committee and the Committee on Science, Space and Technology. Sorensen is the ranking member on the Space Subcommittee.
