Voters in Virginia’s 2nd congressional district have selected military veteran Missy Cotter Smasal to face off against Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-Va., in November. Smasal, like Kiggans, served in the U.S. Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer aboard the U.S.S. Trenton during Operation Enduring Freedom. In addition to her military service, Smasal is an adjunct professor, small business owner, and the founder of Valor Run, a nonprofit dedicated to honoring female service members.
Smasal’s victory in the Democratic primary sets the stage for a competitive race against Kiggans, who unseated former Rep. Elaine Luria, D-Va., in November 2022. Kiggans, a Republican veteran, is running for re-election in a district known for its heavy military presence, including Virginia Beach. The 2nd congressional district of Virginia has a history of political volatility, with Luria’s victory in 2018 following the defeat of then-Rep. Scott Taylor, R-Va.
As the campaign heats up, both candidates will be focusing on key issues such as education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for families in coastal Virginia. Smasal’s platform emphasizes the need to support children and families in the region, while Kiggans, endorsed by former President Trump, will be seeking to maintain her seat in a district that has shown a willingness to swing between parties.
The upcoming election in Virginia’s 2nd congressional district is expected to draw national attention, with Democrats viewing it as a potential opportunity to gain ground in their quest to regain control of the House of Representatives. As the candidates gear up for the general election in November, voters will have the opportunity to weigh their options and make their voices heard on the issues that matter most to them.