State Senator Jen Kiggans (R-Virginia Beach) announced Monday that she is running for the United States House of Representatives. Kiggans, a first term State Senator, will challenge two-term Congresswoman Elaine Luria for Virginia’s Second District Congressional seat. The district includes Accomack, Northampton, and York Counties. In addition, the district includes portions of Norfolk, Hampton, the entire city of Williamsburg, and all of Virginia Beach.
Kiggans’ afternoon kick-off event in Virginia Beach was joined in a live video by State Senator Bill DeSteph (R-Virginia Beach) and former governor George Allen. They highlighted Kiggans’ experience fighting Democratic policies in Virginia and described a need for national legislators who will fight for lower taxes and fewer regulations.
“She has the courage to fight,” Allen said. “She has the right character, and that integrity. She has the right motivation, and she has the right ideas.”
In a release to The Virginia Star, the Kiggans campaign announced their run:
I’m running for Congress because I have the courage to fight back against the agenda of the radical Left, to help Republicans take back the majority in the House, to balance the power in Washington, and give the workers, families, and job creators of the Second District the results they deserve.
“I’ve battled the liberal, one-party rule in Richmond, but we are now facing an even bigger threat in Washington. Our Congresswoman has voted with Nancy Pelosi 92% of the time and sides with a radical agenda that is wreaking havoc on our economy, our national security, and our Commonwealth,” said Sen. Jen Kiggans. “I’m running for Congress because I have the courage to fight back against this progressive agenda, to help Republicans win back control of the House, to balance the power in Washington, and give the workers, families, and job creators of the Second District the results they deserve.
“More government is never the solution to our problems — we need people starting businesses, creating jobs, raising families, and embracing new economic opportunities. I’ve spent my entire life serving my country and community, including fighting for the most vulnerable, for our families, and what’s best about America — and that is exactly what I will continue to fight for in Congress.”
Jen Kiggans currently represents the 7th State Senate district, which is based out of Virginia Beach and Norfolk. Kiggans grew up all over the world and her first job was at Walt Disney World. She graduated from Boston University with a degree in International Relations, then joined the United States Navy. Jen earned her Naval aviator wings in 1995, where she flew H-3 and H-46 helicopters under the callsign ‘Blossom.’ She married her husband Steve, who was an F-18 pilot. After serving in the Navy, Senator Kiggans used the GI bill to become a Nurse Practitioner, specializing in Geriatric Primary Care. She holds degrees from Old Dominion University and Vanderbilt University.
If she’s not running, working in the State Senate, working to take care of senior citizens, or being a mom, she is out serving her community with her parish, St. Gregory the Great in Virginia Beach. She and her husband Steve have four kids, one of which is a midshipman at the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis. Kiggans is a devout Catholic and has never shied from talking about her faith.
Jen first ran for office in 2019, winning her primary 52% to 48%. In the general election, Kiggans defeated hard leftist former Delegate Cheryl Turpin (D-Virginia Beach) with a narrow margin of victory, 50.36% to 49.49%.
When COVID-19 arrived, colleagues in the General Assembly looked to Kiggans for leadership due to her training in geriatric care. The Nurse Practitioner was appointed by Governor Ralph Northam to the state health department task force on nursing homes. Kiggans has advocated for opening schools and businesses with proper coronavirus responses. After long days of serving in the General Assembly sessions of 2021, Kiggans was seen giving COVID-19 vaccinations at local vaccination shots.
The Second District of Virginia is considered a swing seat. Former Congressman Scott Riggell (R-Virginia Beach) served for six years, then Congressman Scott Taylor (R-Virginia Beach) served for one term. Taylor lost a vicious fight to Elaine Luria (D-Norfolk) in 2018 after a scandal broke about allegations that Taylor’s campaign obtained signatures for a third party candidate under false pretenses. The accusations caused Taylor to lose in a re-match with Luria in 2020.
The former helicopter pilot has obtained Big Dog Strategies, who has most notably consulted both Senators from Tennessee, Bill Hagerty and Marcia Blackburn. It is also noted that Senator Kiggans will again use PoolHouse Agency, a political powerhouse firm who has a well-earned reputation for producing compelling top-notch digital and campaign ads.
Kiggans joins a field of three other Republican candidates vying for the chance to face incumbent Democrat Rep. Luria in November 2022, including Jarome Bell, Andy Baan, and Ted Engquist.
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Matt Colt Hall is a reporter for The Virginia Star and the Star News Network. Follow Matt on Twitter at @MattColtHall on Twitter. Send tips to [email protected]. Eric Burk contributed the this report.
Photo “Jen Kiggans” by Jen Kiggans.
Jen Kiggans will be our next Congresswoman from the 2nd District of VA!!