Biography

Eric Sorensen, born on March 18, 1976, in Rockford, Illinois, is an American meteorologist and politician serving as the U.S. Representative for Illinois's 17th congressional district since January 3, 2023. He is a member of the Democratic Party and the first openly gay person elected to Congress from Illinois.

Before entering politics, Sorensen had a two-decade career as a local TV meteorologist, working in Rockford and the Quad Cities. He was known for his commitment to delivering life-saving information and building trust within the community.

In Congress, Sorensen focuses on lowering costs for working families, creating sustainable jobs in Central and Northwestern Illinois, and supporting family farms and rural communities.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Bachelor of Science in Meteorology from Northern Illinois University.

• Political Experience:

  • Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Illinois's 17th congressional district in 2022.
  • Serves on the House Agriculture Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, with assignments to the Subcommittee on Readiness and the Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces.

Notable Achievements

• Introduced the bipartisan DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act, which passed in the House of Representatives.
• Secured $4.6 million for six Central Illinois infrastructure projects, including flood mitigation and housing upgrades.
• Co-introduced the bipartisan Upper Mississippi River Levee Safety Act to enhance flood protections along the Mississippi River.
• Secured $123 million for Western Illinois infrastructure projects, including water main repairs and road improvements.
• Co-introduced the bipartisan ONSHORE Act to attract manufacturing investment by establishing a federal grant program for undeveloped sites.

Sorensen resides in Moline, Illinois, with his partner Shawn and their dogs, Petey and Oliver.