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]
Jen Kiggans | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 2nd district | |
| Assumed office January 3, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Elaine Luria |
| Member of the Virginia Senate from the 7th district | |
| In office January 8, 2020 – November 15, 2022 | |
| Preceded by | Frank Wagner |
| Succeeded by | Aaron Rouse |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Jennifer Ann Moore June 18, 1971 Tampa, Florida, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Steve Kiggans |
| Children | 4 |
| Education | Boston University (BA) Old Dominion University (BSN) Vanderbilt University (MSN) |
| Website | House website |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1993–2003 |
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
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Jen Kiggans | 153,323 | 51.63 | |
| Democratic | Elaine Luria (incumbent) | 143,204 | 48.22 | |
| N/A | Write-ins | 449 | 0.15 | |
| Total votes | 296,976 | 100.0 | ||
| Republican gain from Democratic | ||||
References
External links
- Congresswoman Jen Kiggans official U.S. House website
- Campaign website
- Biography at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
- Financial information (federal office) at the Federal Election Commission
- Legislation sponsored at the Library of Congress
- Profile at Vote Smart
- Appearances on C-SPAN
- Jen Kiggans at the Virginia Public Access Project