Virginia GOP Rep. Kiggans Faces Resignation Calls After Controversial Radio Interview on Jeffries' Remarks

Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-Va.) is facing bipartisan backlash after a radio interview in which she appeared to endorse a racially charged remark about House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.).

Democratic colleagues are now demanding her resignation, accusing her of condoning the language used in the interview.

Democrats Call for Kiggans' Resignation

House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) took to X to condemn Kiggans' response, stating:

"First they gutted the Voting Rights Act. Now they are using brazenly racist language to attack Black leaders."

Rep. Greg Meeks (D-N.Y.), chair of the Congressional Black Caucus PAC and a close ally of Jeffries, also demanded Kiggans' resignation in a text message to Axios.

Kiggans Denies Condoning Racist Language

Kiggans responded on X, clarifying her position:

"The host should not have used that language and I do not—and did not—condone it. It was obvious to anyone listening that I was agreeing Hakeem Jeffries should stay out of Virginia."

Radio Interview Sparks Controversy

During a Monday interview with Richmond-based radio commentator Rich Herrera, Kiggans criticized Jeffries' involvement in Virginia's congressional redistricting efforts. Herrera stated:

"He spent $20 million-plus on our redistricting debacle we had. He now is talking about ... firing our Supreme Court justices."

Herrera continued:

"If Hakeem Jeffries wants to be involved in Virginia politics, then I suggest he ... leave New York, move down here to Virginia, run for office down here, you can represent us. If not, get your cotton-picking hands off of Virginia."

Kiggans responded with: "That's right. Ditto. Yes. Yes, to that."

Democratic Leaders Condemn Kiggans' Response

Former Rep. Elaine Luria (D-Va.), Kiggans' opponent in the upcoming election, posted on X:

"The racist comments proudly endorsed today by Jen Kiggans ... are disgusting and beneath any elected official."

House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.) wrote on X:

"Rep. Kiggans must apologize then get the hell out of the House."

Rep. Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.), a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, stated to Axios:

"What Kiggans said is disgusting, and I join the whip's call for her to resign."

Rep. Grace Meng (D-N.Y.) added:

"Apologize and get out or you will be shown the door in November."

Kiggans Defends Her Record

Kiggans pushed back on the criticism in a post on X, stating:

"This is precisely what's wrong with Democrats. Every lie and distortion is intended to distract from getting their hats handed to them and the Virginia Supreme Court's clear message: stop trying to rig our elections."

She continued:

"Democrats are trying to destroy Virginia's court because they disagree with it. THAT is the real danger to our country."

A spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee declined to comment further.