Jen Kiggans 1Jen Kiggans VA-02

Current Position: House Member District 2
Affiliation: Republican
District: includes Virginia Beach, the Eastern Shore, part of Chesapeake and Southampton, Isle of Wight, Suffolk, and Franklin City.

Kiggans is a former United States Navy helicopter pilot. She defeated incumbent Elaine Luria in the 2022 election. She came to Congress “determined to bring civility and competence to politics – something she believes is severely lacking in all levels of government – and provide Virginians with the strong, independent leadership in Washington they deserve.”

Source: Government Page

OnAir Post: Jen Kiggans VA-02

Summary

Current Position: House Member District 2
Affiliation: Republican
District: includes Virginia Beach, the Eastern Shore, part of Chesapeake and Southampton, Isle of Wight, Suffolk, and Franklin City.

Kiggans is a former United States Navy helicopter pilot. She defeated incumbent Elaine Luria in the 2022 election. She came to Congress “determined to bring civility and competence to politics – something she believes is severely lacking in all levels of government – and provide Virginians with the strong, independent leadership in Washington they deserve.”

Source: Government Page

OnAir Post: Jen Kiggans VA-02

News

About

Jen Kiggans 2Congresswoman Jen Kiggans is proudly serving Virginia’s Second Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, which includes Virginia Beach, the Eastern Shore, part of Chesapeake and Southampton, Isle of Wight, Suffolk, and Franklin City.

Jen is a proud Navy Wife to her husband Steve, a retired F-18 pilot, and mom to their four amazing children who motivate her every day to fight for a stronger future for Virginia and our nation as a whole.

Prior to serving Virginians in public office, Jen served as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Navy and worked in our nation’s healthcare system as a Geriatric Nurse Practitioner, serving America’s aging population.

Jen was winged as a Naval Aviator in 1995. She served our nation for a total of 10 years as a helicopter pilot flying H-46 and H-3 helicopters, completing two deployments to the Persian Gulf. As a former Navy helicopter pilot, Navy spouse, and now Navy Mom, Jen is a tireless advocate for the military community and is a strong voice for them in Congress.

After serving in the U.S. Navy, Jen used her GI Bill benefits to go back to school and become a board-certified Adult-Geriatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. A graduate of Old Dominion University’s Nursing School and Vanderbilt University’s Nurse Practitioner program, Jen has worked in several long-term care and nursing facilities in Virginia Beach and Norfolk in addition to serving as a primary care provider for a small private practice in Virginia Beach.

After years of growing frustration listening to politicians on the evening news and watching as division and negative rhetoric derailed legislative progress on issues important to her family and her community, Jen took her experience of working with a team to accomplish the mission at hand to Richmond. She served three sessions in the Virginia State Senate, where she successfully championed legislation to establish a Military Spouse Liaison and advocated for patients, families, and caregivers in long-term care facilities.

Jen comes to Congress determined to bring civility and competence to politics – something she believes is severely lacking in all levels of government – and provide Virginians with the strong, independent leadership in Washington they deserve.

Jen, Steve, and their four kids live in Virginia Beach with their dog and newly adopted kitten.

Personal

Full Name:  Jennifer ‘Jen’ A. Kiggans

Gender:   Female

Family:  Husband: Steve; 4 Children

Birth Date:   01/01/1971

Birth Place:   Tampa, FL

Home City:   Virginia Beach, VA

Religion:  Catholic

Education

Certified, Political Leadership, University of Virginia, Sorensen Political Leaders Program

Certified, Private Aircraft Pilot, Federal Aviation Administration

MSN, Adult/Geriatric Nurse Practitioner, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, 2011-2012

BS, Registered Nursing, Old Dominion University, 2009-2011

BA, International Relations and Affairs, Boston University, 1989-1993

Offices

WASHINGTON, DC

1037 Longworth House Office Building

Washington, DC 20515

(202) 225-4215

VIRGINIA BEACH

283 Constitution Drive

Virginia Beach, VA 23462

(757) 364-7650

Contact

Email: Government

Web Links

Politics

Source: none

Election Results

Virginia’s 2nd congressional district general election results, 2022[23]
PartyCandidateVotes%
RepublicanJen Kiggans153,32351.63
DemocraticElaine Luria (incumbent)143,20448.22
N/AWrite-ins4490.15
Total votes296,976100.0
Republican gain from Democratic

Finances

Source: Open Secrets

Committees

House Armed Services Committee

House Committee on Natural Resources

House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs

New Legislation

Issues

Source: Government page

More Information

District

Source: Wikipedia

 VA-02

Virginia’s second congressional district is a U.S. congressional district in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It currently encompasses all of Accomack, Northampton, and Isle of Wight; all of the independent cities of Virginia Beach, Suffolk, and Franklin; part of the independent city of Chesapeake; and part of Southampton. However, its boundaries have changed greatly over the centuries; it initially encompassed what became West Virginia after the American Civil War. It is considered among the nation’s most competitive congressional districts.

The district has a significant military presence. The Hampton Roads area is considered to be a military town.

Republican Scott Rigell defeated Democrat Glenn Nye in the November 2, 2010, election, and took his seat January 3, 2011, serving until 2017, when he was succeeded by Scott Taylor. In the November 6, 2018, election, Democrat Elaine Luria defeated Republican Scott Taylor. In 2022, Luria was defeated by Republican Jen Kiggans, thereby making the district one of 18 that would have voted for Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election had they existed in their current configuration while being won or held by a Republican in 2022.

The responsibility of drawing maps for congressional and state legislative districts passed from the Virginia Redistricting Commission (VRC) to the Supreme Court of Virginia in November 2021. The Supreme Court completed redistricting in December 2021, which was used for the 2022 elections.

Wikipedia

Jennifer Ann Kiggans (née Moore;[1] born June 18, 1971) is an American politician and nurse practitioner serving as the U.S. representative for Virginia’s 2nd congressional district. A Republican, Kiggans is a former United States Navy helicopter pilot.[2] She defeated incumbent Elaine Luria in the 2022 election.[3]

Early life and career

Kiggans was born in Tampa, Florida, and graduated from high school in Orlando, Florida.[4] As a high school student, she worked at Walt Disney World.[5] She is an alumna of Boston University.[6] In 1993 and 1994, she taught English in Japan through the JET Programme.[7] She also lived in Japan as a Navy spouse for five years.[5]

Kiggans was a United States Navy pilot for ten years, flying H-46 and H-3 helicopters.[8]

After serving in the military, Kiggans attended nursing school at Old Dominion University and Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. She is an adult geriatric nurse practitioner at Eastern Virginia Medical School and in private practice.[9]

Early political career

In 2019, Kiggans ran for the Virginia Senate for the 7th district, which was being vacated by Republican incumbent Frank Wagner. In the Republican Party primary, Kiggans defeated Virginia Beach School Board member Carolyn Weems, 52% to 48%.[10]

In the general election, Kiggans faced Democratic state Delegate Cheryl Turpin. The race was viewed as competitive, as the district had very narrowly favored Democrats in recent statewide elections.[11][12] Kiggans and Turpin each spent over $500,000 on television advertisements.[13] Kiggans won, 50.4% to 49.5%.[14]

U.S. House of Representatives

Elections

2022

Kiggans was the Republican nominee for Virginia’s 2nd congressional district in the 2022 election.[15] She narrowly defeated Democratic incumbent Elaine Luria in the November 2022 general election, 51% to 48%.

2024

Kiggans is running for re-election in Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District.[16] Her district is relatively competitive and the Cook Political Report rates her district as “lean Republican.”[17]

Political positions

2020 presidential election

According to The Washington Post, Kiggans “has never beat a ‘stolen election’ drum”, but has hesitated to acknowledge Joe Biden as a legitimate president.[18] She called for a forensic audit of Virginia’s 2020 presidential election results; a previous audit of those results found no evidence of fraud.[19] She has said that she does not believe the FBI search of Mar-a-Lago was justified.[18]

Abortion

Kiggans supports banning abortions after fifteen weeks of pregnancy, except for in cases of rape, incest, or to protect the life of the mother.[20] In June 2022, she expressed support for the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overruled Roe v. Wade.[21]

Veteran’s issues

Kiggans opposes cuts to funding in the Military Construction, Veteran Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act and supports improving military housing which she has described as, “in disrepair and unlivable”.[22]

George Santos

On December 1, 2023, Kiggans voted to expel Representative George Santos.[23]

Caucus memberships

Personal life

Kiggans is a lifelong Catholic. She is married to Steve Kiggans, a retired Navy F-18 pilot. They have four children.[5]

Electoral history

Virginia’s 2nd congressional district general election results, 2022[25]
PartyCandidateVotes%
RepublicanJen Kiggans 153,323 51.63
DemocraticElaine Luria (incumbent)143,20448.22
N/AWrite-ins4490.15
Total votes296,976 100.0
Republican gain from Democratic

References

  1. ^ “About”. Jen Kiggans for Congress.
  2. ^ Saksa, Jim (July 6, 2023). “Being a lawmaker is the latest leap for career-hopping Kiggans”. Roll Call. Retrieved August 10, 2023.
  3. ^ “Republican Jen Kiggans flips Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District seat”. WRIC-TV. November 9, 2022.
  4. ^ Vozzella, Laura (December 27, 2019). “Virginia Senate gains two political outsiders and friends”. The Washington Post. Retrieved January 18, 2020.
  5. ^ a b c Hall, Matt (November 3, 2019). “Interview: Veteran Jen Kiggans Runs for 7th State Senate District”. Bearing Drift. Retrieved January 19, 2020.
  6. ^ “Alum a New US Congresswoman | BU Today”. Boston University. Retrieved January 27, 2023.
  7. ^ “Jennifer Kiggans’ Biography”. Vote Smart. Retrieved January 18, 2020.
  8. ^ Mitchell, Lynn (April 1, 2019). “Veteran Navy Pilot Jen Kiggans Enters Race for 7th Senate District”. Bearing Drift. Retrieved January 18, 2020.
  9. ^ Albiges, Marie (June 3, 2020). “School board member, Navy pilot face off in Virginia Beach Senate GOP primary”. The Virginian-Pilot. Retrieved January 18, 2020.
  10. ^ “2019 Senate of Virginia Republican Primary – District 7”. Virginia State Board of Elections. Retrieved January 18, 2020.
  11. ^ Oliver, Ned (September 4, 2019). “Cheat sheet: The House and Senate races most likely to decide control of Virginia’s statehouse”. Virginia Mercury. Retrieved January 18, 2020.
  12. ^ “Open Seat Profile – SD7”. Virginia Public Access Project. October 17, 2019. Retrieved January 19, 2020.
  13. ^ O’Keefe, Jimmy (October 24, 2019). “Va. Senate Candidates Ramp Up Attack Ads Ahead Of Election Day”. WHSV-TV. Capital News Service. Retrieved January 18, 2020.
  14. ^ “2019 November General – Member Senate of Virginia (007)”. Virginia State Board of Elections. November 10, 2019. Retrieved January 18, 2020.
  15. ^ Flynn, Meagan (April 12, 2021). “GOP state senator seeks to challenge Luria for Virginia congressional seat”. Washington Post.
  16. ^ “Jen Kiggans for Congress”. January 2, 2024. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
  17. ^ “2024 CPR House Race Ratings-The Cook Political Report”. January 2, 2024.
  18. ^ a b “Ad attacks leave Kiggans trying to reclaim image: ‘I’m not an extremist’. Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved September 18, 2022.
  19. ^ “Trump’s influence casts shadow in the Virginia 2nd District race”. Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
  20. ^ “Hampton Roads could help decide control of the House of Representatives”. VPM.org. October 24, 2022. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
  21. ^ “Luria, Kiggans react to Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade”. 13newsnow. June 24, 2022. Retrieved August 7, 2022.
  22. ^ “Freshman GOP lawmaker sounds alarm about dilapidated military housing in district”.
  23. ^ “Who voted to expel George Santos? Here’s the count on the House expulsion resolution – CBS News”. www.cbsnews.com. December 1, 2023. Retrieved December 3, 2023.
  24. ^ “Candidates”. RMSP PAC. Retrieved December 26, 2022.
  25. ^ “2022 November General”. November 8, 2022. Retrieved November 8, 2022.

External links

U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by

Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Virginia’s 2nd congressional district

2023–present
Incumbent
U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded by

United States representatives by seniority
394th
Succeeded by


Wikipedia

Jennifer Ann Kiggans (née Moore;[1] born June 18, 1971) is an American politician and nurse practitioner serving as the U.S. representative for Virginia’s 2nd congressional district. A Republican, Kiggans is a former United States Navy helicopter pilot.[2] She defeated incumbent Elaine Luria in the 2022 election.[3]

Early life and career

Kiggans was born in Tampa, Florida, and graduated from high school in Orlando, Florida.[4] As a high school student, she worked at Walt Disney World.[5] She is an alumna of Boston University.[6] In 1993 and 1994, she taught English in Japan through the JET Programme.[7] She also lived in Japan as a Navy spouse for five years.[5]

Kiggans was a United States Navy pilot for ten years, flying H-46 and H-3 helicopters.[8]

After serving in the military, Kiggans attended nursing school at Old Dominion University and Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. She is an adult geriatric nurse practitioner at Eastern Virginia Medical School and in private practice.[9]

Early political career

In 2019, Kiggans ran for the Virginia Senate for the 7th district, which was being vacated by Republican incumbent Frank Wagner. In the Republican Party primary, Kiggans defeated Virginia Beach School Board member Carolyn Weems, 52% to 48%.[10]

In the general election, Kiggans faced Democratic state Delegate Cheryl Turpin. The race was viewed as competitive, as the district had very narrowly favored Democrats in recent statewide elections.[11][12] Kiggans and Turpin each spent over $500,000 on television advertisements.[13] Kiggans won, 50.4% to 49.5%.[14]

U.S. House of Representatives

Elections

2022

Kiggans was the Republican nominee for Virginia’s 2nd congressional district in the 2022 election.[15] She narrowly defeated Democratic incumbent Elaine Luria in the November 2022 general election, 51% to 48%.

2024

Kiggans is running for re-election in Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District.[16] Her district is relatively competitive and the Cook Political Report rates her district as “lean Republican.”[17]

Political positions

2020 presidential election

According to The Washington Post, Kiggans “has never beat a ‘stolen election’ drum”, but has hesitated to acknowledge Joe Biden as a legitimate president.[18] She called for a forensic audit of Virginia’s 2020 presidential election results; a previous audit of those results found no evidence of fraud.[19] She has said that she does not believe the FBI search of Mar-a-Lago was justified.[18]

Abortion

Kiggans supports banning abortions after fifteen weeks of pregnancy, except for in cases of rape, incest, or to protect the life of the mother.[20] In June 2022, she expressed support for the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overruled Roe v. Wade.[21]

Veteran’s issues

Kiggans opposes cuts to funding in the Military Construction, Veteran Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act and supports improving military housing which she has described as, “in disrepair and unlivable”.[22]

George Santos

On December 1, 2023, Kiggans voted to expel Representative George Santos.[23]

Caucus memberships

Personal life

Kiggans is a lifelong Catholic. She is married to Steve Kiggans, a retired Navy F-18 pilot. They have four children.[5]

Electoral history

Virginia’s 2nd congressional district general election results, 2022[25]
PartyCandidateVotes%
RepublicanJen Kiggans 153,323 51.63
DemocraticElaine Luria (incumbent)143,20448.22
N/AWrite-ins4490.15
Total votes296,976 100.0
Republican gain from Democratic

References

  1. ^ “About”. Jen Kiggans for Congress.
  2. ^ Saksa, Jim (July 6, 2023). “Being a lawmaker is the latest leap for career-hopping Kiggans”. Roll Call. Retrieved August 10, 2023.
  3. ^ “Republican Jen Kiggans flips Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District seat”. WRIC-TV. November 9, 2022.
  4. ^ Vozzella, Laura (December 27, 2019). “Virginia Senate gains two political outsiders and friends”. The Washington Post. Retrieved January 18, 2020.
  5. ^ a b c Hall, Matt (November 3, 2019). “Interview: Veteran Jen Kiggans Runs for 7th State Senate District”. Bearing Drift. Retrieved January 19, 2020.
  6. ^ “Alum a New US Congresswoman | BU Today”. Boston University. Retrieved January 27, 2023.
  7. ^ “Jennifer Kiggans’ Biography”. Vote Smart. Retrieved January 18, 2020.
  8. ^ Mitchell, Lynn (April 1, 2019). “Veteran Navy Pilot Jen Kiggans Enters Race for 7th Senate District”. Bearing Drift. Retrieved January 18, 2020.
  9. ^ Albiges, Marie (June 3, 2020). “School board member, Navy pilot face off in Virginia Beach Senate GOP primary”. The Virginian-Pilot. Retrieved January 18, 2020.
  10. ^ “2019 Senate of Virginia Republican Primary – District 7”. Virginia State Board of Elections. Retrieved January 18, 2020.
  11. ^ Oliver, Ned (September 4, 2019). “Cheat sheet: The House and Senate races most likely to decide control of Virginia’s statehouse”. Virginia Mercury. Retrieved January 18, 2020.
  12. ^ “Open Seat Profile – SD7”. Virginia Public Access Project. October 17, 2019. Retrieved January 19, 2020.
  13. ^ O’Keefe, Jimmy (October 24, 2019). “Va. Senate Candidates Ramp Up Attack Ads Ahead Of Election Day”. WHSV-TV. Capital News Service. Retrieved January 18, 2020.
  14. ^ “2019 November General – Member Senate of Virginia (007)”. Virginia State Board of Elections. November 10, 2019. Retrieved January 18, 2020.
  15. ^ Flynn, Meagan (April 12, 2021). “GOP state senator seeks to challenge Luria for Virginia congressional seat”. Washington Post.
  16. ^ “Jen Kiggans for Congress”. January 2, 2024. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
  17. ^ “2024 CPR House Race Ratings-The Cook Political Report”. January 2, 2024.
  18. ^ a b “Ad attacks leave Kiggans trying to reclaim image: ‘I’m not an extremist’. Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved September 18, 2022.
  19. ^ “Trump’s influence casts shadow in the Virginia 2nd District race”. Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
  20. ^ “Hampton Roads could help decide control of the House of Representatives”. VPM.org. October 24, 2022. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
  21. ^ “Luria, Kiggans react to Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade”. 13newsnow. June 24, 2022. Retrieved August 7, 2022.
  22. ^ “Freshman GOP lawmaker sounds alarm about dilapidated military housing in district”.
  23. ^ “Who voted to expel George Santos? Here’s the count on the House expulsion resolution – CBS News”. www.cbsnews.com. December 1, 2023. Retrieved December 3, 2023.
  24. ^ “Candidates”. RMSP PAC. Retrieved December 26, 2022.
  25. ^ “2022 November General”. November 8, 2022. Retrieved November 8, 2022.

External links

U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by

Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Virginia’s 2nd congressional district

2023–present
Incumbent
U.S. order of precedence (ceremonial)
Preceded by

United States representatives by seniority
394th
Succeeded by


X

Jen Kiggans VA-02

Current Position: House Member District 2
Affiliation: Republican
District: includes Virginia Beach, the Eastern Shore, part of Chesapeake and Southampton, Isle of Wight, Suffolk, and Franklin City.

Kiggans is a former United States Navy helicopter pilot. She defeated incumbent Elaine Luria in the 2022 election. She came to Congress “determined to bring civility and competence to politics – something she believes is severely lacking in all levels of government – and provide Virginians with the strong, independent leadership in Washington they deserve.”

Source: Government Page

OnAir Post: Jen Kiggans VA-02

Elaine Luria – VA 02

Current Position: US Representative of US House District 2 since 2019
Affiliation: Democrat
Candidate: 2023 US Representative

Other Positions:
Vice Chair, Committee on Armed Services
Chair, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs – Committee on Veterans’ Affairs

Featured Quote:
“Today, too many Americans are working hard and getting less. That’s because politicians in Washington aren’t looking out for them. That’s why I am running for Congress.

The core values of Security, Equality, and Prosperity will serve as my compass in representing the 2nd District.”

Featured Video: 
Rep. Elaine Luria questions witnesses in House investigation of Jan. 6
July 27, 2021

OnAir Post: Elaine Luria – VA 02

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