U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger wins 16th Congressional District

Incumbent Adam Kinzinger (R-Channahon) won re-election in the 16th Congressional District.

Kinzinger, who has held the seat since 2012, garnered 66% of the vote with 99% reporting, according to the Associated Press.

He was opposed by Dani Brzozowski, D-La Salle.

By Tuesday night's end, Kinzinger had tallied 209,671 votes to Brzozowski's 107,462.

Kinzinger said as results were coming in and it appeared he was going to win: "As far as internal expectations, we've blown that away."

He issued a statement later Tuesday night: “First and foremost, I want to say thank you. Thank you to everyone who voted and thank you for the opportunity to be your voice in Washington. I’m humbled by this overwhelming victory (Tuesday night) and proudly accept this re-election as the U.S. House Representative for Illinois' 16th Congressional District. It's truly an honor and a privilege to serve my community and my country, and I'm ready to help move us forward — as a district and as a nation."

Kinzinger said he believes voters in the 16th District respect him for his independence, and how he fights for their interests in ways that are more than just reciting political talking points.

"Whether they agree with my decisions or not, I think a lot of people know I believe what I'm saying and I'm not out to just defend a party," Kinzinger said. "It's that and through this whole COVID-19 process, we made it a priority to say to my staff that that will take priority and we'll help people the best we can."

Kinzinger said the great turnout from both sides is a great sign people are engaged.

"That's what sets us apart from other democracies across the world," Kinzinger said. "I'm extremely pleased to see the voter participation. It's always predicted to be on a historic level but we've actually exceeded that this time."

Both Kinzinger and Brzozowski insinuated it would take until some time on Wednesday for the full results to come in.

Brzozowski said she was encouraged by the turnout.

"The things that feel the most memorable are the emotional conversations that are rooted in personal stories," Brzozowski said. "I've spoken to thousands of voters and heard the heartbreaking, really hopeful stories that I've heard about having access to healthcare and the difficulties families have making sure they can take care, tragic stories about job loss, manufacturing leaving a community, and people still band together."

As for what Kinzinger expects to happen next, he said Congress will go right back into session to work on another COVID-19 package and deal with end of the year spending issues.

Kinzinger said he wants Congress to take on infrastructure more than anything else.

"It needs rejuvenated. There's no better time to do it than right now with the unemployment rate where it is."