Kiggans holds onto Virginia's 2nd House District, beating out Cotter Smasal: AP calls
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA - JUNE 21: Sen. Jen Kiggans talks with voters outside of Lynnhaven United Methodist Church in Virginia Beach, Va., on Tuesday, June 21, 2022. (Photo by Kristen Zeis/For The Washington Post via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON - Incumbent Republican Rep. Jennifer Kiggans has officially won the House seat for Virginia’s 2nd District.
Kiggans had pulled ahead of her Democratic opponent, Missy Cotter Smasal, on Wednesday in Virginia's 2nd House District race just before 12 p.m., with 99% of the votes counted, the Associated Press reported that Kiggans was ahead of Cotter Smasal 193,458 to 177,720.
AP called the race for Kiggans just before 6 p.m. Wednesday.
The contentious race was a closely watched one as the district is considered, "about as middle-of-the-road as they come, full of independents and swing voters," according to the Washington Post’s Meagan Flynn. It has frequently alternated between Democratic and Republican control.
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District 2 covers much of the southeastern coast of Virginia including Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Franklin, Isle of Wight County, Accomack County, Northampton County and parts of Chesapeake and Southampton County.
It’s home to the largest naval base in the country and the district’s voting population is heavily active duty and retired military.
Kiggans was a state senator from 2020 to 2022 before she was elected to the House. She also served as a helicopter pilot for ten years and later earned a degree under the GI bill to become a nurse practitioner.
Cotter Smasal is also a Navy veteran who served as a warfare officer and was a member of the Chesapeake Bay Commission. She has the endorsement of Democratic New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries.
Kiggans focused on issues such as the economy and border security during her campaign, while Cotter Smasal prioritized abortion access and defending American democracy following the Jan. 6 insurrection. Both candidates have cited the need to help veterans and addressed the rising cost of living.
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) releaseed a statement on Kiggans' re-election victory, saying, "Congratulations to Congresswoman Jen Kiggans on her re-election. Jen has devoted her entire life to service. We look forward to the many successes Congresswoman Kiggans will bring home to Hampton Roads." –NRCC Spokeswoman Delanie Bomar.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.