VIRGINIA BEACH — Jen Kiggans, a first-term Republican state senator from Virginia Beach, is headed to Congress after besting U.S. Rep. Elaine Luria, a Democrat who has been in office since 2018, in the race for Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District seat on Tuesday, Nov. 8.
“We are celebrating a victory of a new day for our commonwealth and for our country,” Kiggans told supporters during remarks in Virginia Beach following her victory. “We’re here to celebrate a renewed commitment to restore American strength in our economy, at our borders, in our community and on the world stage.”
Kiggans earned 52 percent compared to 47.9 percent for Luria, according to unoffical returns reported this past week by the state elections department.
Kiggans thanked family and supporters.
“And then to the people of the Second District who voted, thank you to all of you,” Kiggans said. “Thank you for voting today. For those of you who didn’t vote for me, I really look forward to representing you in the halls of Congress, as well, and I look forward to earning your respect and to earning your support … ”
Kiggans also thanked Luria, “who fought a hard-fought battle in this race, and, although we may differ in our political ideologies, we certainly share a love for our Navy and a love for our country. I do wish my opponent well in her future career and future endeavors, and I thank her for all of (her) years of public service.”
Luria, speaking the night of the election, thanked her supporters during a gathering in Virginia Beach after a long night.
“It has been an honor to serve you in the 2nd Congressional District over the course of the last four years,” Luria said. “I just got off the phone. I called to congratulate Jen Kiggans on a hard-fought race.”
Some in the audience booed.
“Please don’t boo,” Luria said, “because the success of this district depends upon her success. And this was a hard-fought race. She won this election. We came out short of where we wanted to land, but the truth is that we do need to wish her the best of luck.”
Luria said she and her team would work to ensure a smooth transition. She said she was proud of the work in office, including efforts in support of the national defense budget and access to veterans care.
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