DeKALB – Washington is familiar territory for U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, but the territory back home is more foreign.

Kinzinger, a Manteno Republican who was sworn into office as the representative for the 16th Congressional District this week, is in his second term as a congressman but his first in the new district, which includes DeKalb County. County voters did not give Kinzinger an early gesture of confidence as Democrat Wanda Rohl received more support at the polls, but Kinzinger said he was determined to gain his new constituents’ trust.

“I’ve got some big shoes to fill,” Kinzinger said of taking over from his predecessor Don Manzullo. “My door is always open and my staff and I are here to ensure that constituents never walk away feeling that they weren’t able to share their thoughts, ideas, opinions and beliefs with me.”