Backlash continues to grow after Representative Jen Kiggans, a Republican, agreed with a conservative talk show host's offensive comments on air. During Monday's episode of 'Richmond's Morning News', host Rich Herrera said that House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries, the first Black American to lead a party in Congress, should 'get your cotton-picking hands off of Virginia'. In response, Kiggans said: 'That's right, ditto'.
Backlash and Calls for Resignation
Following a deluge of calls to resign from national and state Democrats, the lawmaker, who represents Virginia's second district, distanced herself from Herrera's comments. 'The radio host should not have used that language and I do not – and did not – condone it. It was obvious to anyone listening that I was agreeing Hakeem Jeffries should stay out of Virginia,' Kiggans later said in a statement.
Response from Jeffries' Spokesperson
Christie Stephenson, a spokesperson for Hakeem Jeffries, said that Kiggans had her chance 'to disavow the vile, racist and dehumanizing comments' but instead 'she doubled down'. 'It was a stunning failure of judgment and leadership for a so-called moderate Member of Congress representing a large, vibrant African American community in Virginia,' Stephenson added.
Political Context
Virginia Democrats on Monday asked the US Supreme Court to revive the congressional map designed to boost their party's chances in November's midterm elections. This comes after the state supreme court last week rejected the voter-approved measure to amend the state's constitution and redraw the map.
