Eric Sorensen

Eric Sorensen spent more than two decades delivering television weather forecasts before entering Congress.¹ He grew up in Rockford and later bought his first home in Moline.² He and his partner, Shawn, share their Moline home with two dogs.¹ They enjoy biking, kayaking and trying restaurants around the Quad Cities.²

Sorensen graduated from Boylan Central Catholic High School and earned a bachelor's degree at Northern Illinois University.³ He has described the support he received from friends and family when he came out during college.² His broadcasting career included work in Rockford and the Quad Cities.² His work included communicating severe weather information affecting schools, farms and public safety across the region.¹

First elected in 2022, Sorensen entered Congress in 2023 as a Democrat representing Illinois' 17th District.³ He serves on Agriculture and Armed Services, with work that includes advocating for the Rock Island Arsenal and Peoria Air National Guard Base.¹ His legislative agenda includes proposals to improve rural flood preparedness and increase competition from generic prescription drugs.⁴

His 2026 priorities include reversing Medicaid cuts and reducing household costs.⁴ He supports the Dignity Act and the American Dream and Promise Act as immigration reform proposals.⁴ He also calls for greater congressional oversight of the Iran war and federal safeguards against harmful uses of artificial intelligence.⁴