Eric Sorensen

ON THE ISSUES

• Former meteorologist and early advocate for climate action
• Led legislation to develop a national soil carbon sequestration analysis network to help farmers improve soil health 
• Has been an advocate for investments to lower costs for Northwestern Illinois farmers and small businesses and strengthen the energy grid in rural communities.
• Earned a 97% lifetime score on LCV’s National Environmental Scorecard

WHY THIS RACE MATTERS

• Won this competitive district by only 4% in 2022
• Serves on the House Committee on Agriculture, the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and is the Vice Chair of the Climate Change and Clean Energy Task Force. 
• Holding this seat in Illinois will help win a pro-environmental majority in the House, making it easier to pass climate legislation at the federal level

CANDIDATE BACKGROUND

Representative Eric Sorensen is running for a second term to represent Illinois's 17th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. A native of the district, at age 27, he became the chief meteorologist at WREX in Rockford. While at WREX he started Project Tornado to bring meteorologists to schools to help children feel safe during severe weather events. 

After 11 years at WREX, he moved to Moline and spent the next seven years as a meteorologist for the Quad Cities. He still lives in Moline and has been active in the LGBTQ+ community, including serving on the boards of Clock, Inc and The Project of the Quad Cities, organizations that connect vulnerable individuals to health services. Sorensen is running for reelection to Congress because he understands that climate change is a serious threat and as a climate communicator; he wants to lead action to address it. His two decades of experience as a climate communicator will be key to leading in Washington to address climate change, protect our environment, and ensure clean water and air. Representative Sorensen has earned a 97% lifetime score on LCV’s National Environmental Scorecard. Representative Sorensen is endorsed by LCV Action Fund and NRDC Action Fund.