Eric Sorensen is running in Illinois’s 17th Congressional District, which is being vacated by retiring Rep. Cheri Bustos. Sorensen beat five other Democrats in a crowded primary and has since received his Democratic opponents’ support. Redistricting moved the seat four percentage points toward Democrats, but it is one of the most competitive races in the country.
Sorensen was born and raised in Rockford, Illinois and has been the local news meteorologist in Rockford and then in Moline, Illinois for 22 years. He would be the first openly gay member of the Illinois congressional delegation, if elected.
Sorensen took climate change head-on, honestly communicating about its effects on news stories. He wants to bring 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.