Republican Rep. Jen Kiggans of Virginia is facing mounting calls to resign after she appeared to agree with a local radio host who used a racially charged phrase directed at House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. During an interview on WRVA's 'Richmond's Morning News' on Monday, host Rich Herrera said, 'If Hakeem Jeffries wants to be involved in Virginia politics, then I suggest he does what a bunch of New Yorkers are doing. 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, 'That's right, ditto. Yes, yes to that.'
Backlash and Defense
After audio of the exchange circulated online, Kiggans took to X to condemn Herrera's language while defending her own response. She claimed, 'It was obvious to anyone listening that I was agreeing Hakeem Jefferies should stay out of Virginia.' She further accused Democrats of lying and distorting her words to distract from political losses. '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 wrote.
Outrage from Democrats
The comment drew sharp criticism from fellow lawmakers. Fox News contributor Jessica Tarlov noted the racial undertones, tweeting, 'I know folks were really excited to be able to say ‘retard’ again, but would hope ‘cotton picking’ hands about a Black man is a bridge too far. Modern day GOP.' Rep. Yvette Clarke demanded an apology, saying Kiggans was 'either too cowardly to condemn this man’s ignorance, or you agreed with it.' Rep. Pete Aguilar called the rhetoric 'absolutely disqualifying' and urged Kiggans to resign. Rep. Yassamin Ansari echoed that sentiment, labeling the comments 'completely disgusting and racist.'
Jeffries' Office Responds
Hakeem Jeffries' spokesperson Christie Stephenson issued a statement on Tuesday denouncing Kiggans. 'Jen Kiggans had her chance to disavow the vile, racist and dehumanizing comments from far-right talk show host Rich Herrera. Instead, she doubled down,' Stephenson wrote. 'Then, Jen Kiggans tripled down and attempted to blame partisanship in a pathetic follow-up statement.' The statement criticized Kiggans as a 'phony' who 'has no interest in our nation’s progress toward a multi-racial democracy and apparently craves a return to the days of Jim Crow racial oppression in the South.' Stephenson added that Kiggans' actions reflect a broader MAGA Republican assault on Black representation.
