The Democratic lawmaker from the Illinois battleground state, who has been promoting drag events on social media for years, said he has no regrets about hosting a drag show for kids.
Rep. Eric Sorensen answered “no” when asked if he regrets hosting a drag show for kids in a recent video obtained by Fox News Digital.
Earlier this month, the popular social media account Lives of TikTok posted a photo of Sorensen wearing a drag costume and hosting a children’s drag show in Illinois in 2021. The photo has been viewed hundreds of thousands of times since it was posted on March 11th.
“Today I had the honor of helping lead a youth drag event in downtown Moline, Illinois. I love kids who throw themselves into the wind to be themselves. I love the city and its people so much!” Sorensen tweeted on June 5, 2021.
Illinois election results: Democrat Sorensen wins race for open House seat
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 8: Congressman Eric Sorensen (D-IL) speaks during a press conference outside the U.S. Capitol on March 8, 2023 in Washington, DC. Democratic lawmakers debated introducing a resolution opposing the Republican tax plan. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images) (Getty Images)
Sorensen is a freshman Democratic member of the House of Representatives, representing Illinois’ 17th Congressional District, which includes areas in the northwestern part of the state, including parts of Peoria and Rockford. Sorensen won in 2022, defeating Republican challenger Esther King, and received 52% support over the election cycle to King’s 48%, according to previous election data.
Drag performer opposes children’s drag show: “This is an adult venue”
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee last year released a list of the most vulnerable Democratic incumbents in the 2024 election cycle as they seek to hold on to their seats in the Republican-controlled House.
Sorensen was among 28 House Democrats the party deemed vulnerable this year.
‘The View’ explodes with criticism of drag queens: They ‘don’t even like children!’
Sorensen has repeatedly pledged support for drag shows, including those for youth, since taking office and even before that, according to his social media posts.
WASHINGTON – MARCH 28: Representative Eric Sorensen (D-Ill.) addressed the House Agriculture Committee on Tuesday to receive testimony from the United States Department of Agriculture, His Excellency Thomas J. Vilsack, at the Longworth House Office Building. Participate in public hearings. March 28, 2023. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc., Getty Images) (Getty Images)
“I don’t want to give an opinion to extreme Republicans,” said Sorensen, the state’s first openly gay congressman. I grew up,” he tweeted. February last year.
“Thank you @ClockInkLGBT for putting on a great drag event that helps kids come back into their shells. It’s so great to see kids being their true selves!” he posted in 2019. Another drag event for kids.
Parents outraged over drag queen story time for first graders in Philadelphia Public Schools
In another tweet last February, Sorensen argued that voters must fight Republican “extremism” while pointing to Kentucky’s move to ban drag shows near schools.
“Instead of protecting our schools, parks, and homes from gun violence, Republicans are working feverishly to ban drag shows in Kentucky. We must fight this extremism.” he tweeted.
In comments to Fox News Digital, the National Republican Congressional Committee called Sorensen a “far-left radical” who represents rural Illinois.
“Eric Sorensen is a far-left radical who would be better suited to represent his hometown of San Francisco than rural Illinois,” NRCC spokesman Mike Marinella said in a statement. “His actions were outrageous and he clearly shows remorse. I haven’t.”
Fox News Digital did not respond to requests for comment from Sorensen’s campaign and spokesperson about his support for drag shows, including those for children.
A demonstrator holds a “Defend Transgender Rights” flag during a protest. (Andrea Ronchini/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Mr. Sorensen, a Rockford native, was a local meteorologist for many years before entering politics. He will face Republican challenger Joe McGraw in the general election following last week’s primary election.
North Carolina lawmaker defends plan to ban drag shows when minors are present: ‘Guardrails needed’
“Congratulations to Judge Joe McGraw on his Republican primary victory. Eric Sorensen’s extreme views are far outside the mainstream in northwestern Illinois. Judge McGraw is committed to restoring and protecting jobs, protecting our communities, and “We look forward to welcoming Judge McGraw to Congress with a strong Republican majority,” Marinella said in a press release last week. He talked about victory.
Sorensen ran unopposed in last week’s primary, but McGraw defeated his primary challenger by more than 10,000 votes.
Drag queens perform during Pride Month celebrations on June 25, 2022. (Getty Images)
Mr. McGraw is a retired judge who previously worked as a prosecutor and private attorney. Mr. McGraw is campaigning on a platform of law and order, securing the border, cutting spending in Washington, D.C., and cracking down on China.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Sorensen campaigns on platforms such as climate change, abortion access, lower cash register prices and more funding for education.
