IL-17: Eric Sorensen (D)
Eric Sorensen is a weatherman-turned-politician.
Sorensen grew up in Rockford, Illinois, where he was inspired by his local weatherman to become a meteorologist. He attended Northern Illinois University where he got his bachelor’s degree.
Sorensen came out while in college, but when moving to Texas for his first TV meteorologist job his boss showed him the “moral clause” in his contract and informed him he could not be out and on TV.
He moved back to his hometown where he got a television job and was allowed to take a more active role volunteering for LGBTQ causes, including helping connect people to health services. He also started Project Tornado, which brings meteorologists into classrooms to educate students and help them feel safer during severe weather.
Sorensen lives in Moline with his partner Shawn and their two dogs Oliver and Petey.
The above information was sourced from the candidate’s website.