Key House Republican Jen Kiggans Faces Calls to Resign Over 'Racist Remarks'

Republican Representative Jen Kiggans is facing calls for resignation from Democrats after appearing to agree with a radio host's racially charged remark about House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

Tue May 12 2026

Controversial Remarks and Democratic Demands for Resignation

Republican Representative Jen Kiggans of Virginia is under fire for allegedly condoning a racist remark made by a radio host during an interview. The host stated that House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) should get his 'cotton-picking hands off of Virginia,' to which Kiggans responded with 'That's right. Ditto. Yes. Yes, to that.' House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) criticized the language as 'brazenly racist' and called for Kiggans to immediately apologize and resign. Rep. Greg Meeks (D-N.Y.), a close ally of Jeffries, also believes Kiggans should resign.

Kiggans' Defense and Tight Reelection Battle

Kiggans denied condoning the language, stating that she was agreeing that Hakeem Jeffries should stay out of Virginia politics. She posted that the host 'should not have used that language' but maintained her stance on Jeffries' involvement in Virginia. Kiggans accused Democrats of trying to 'destroy Virginia's court' and rigging elections, calling their criticisms 'lies and distortions.' Kiggans is currently in one of the country's most hotly contested reelection battles, with former Democratic Representative Elaine Luria, who is running against her, also condemning Kiggans' remarks.

*Source: Axios (2026-05-12)*

Tags: #JenKiggans #HakeemJeffries #Racism #USPolitics #Virginia