Luria, Kiggans gearing up for Wednesday debate in Virginia Beach

Democrat Elaine Luria and her Republican challenger to represent Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District, Jen Kiggans, will face off during their first debate Wednesday in Virginia Beach.

The race for the U.S. House seat is expected to be among a handful of cutthroat contests nationwide that could determine which party controls the chamber.

The event, hosted by the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, is slated for 11 a.m. at the Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront.

Luria, the incumbent, was first elected to Congress in 2018. She is a retired Naval commander.

During the debate, Jayce Genco, a Luria campaign spokesperson, said the congresswoman plans to focus on her record “of delivering for coastal Virginians by expanding health care for veterans, securing billions in defense investments to stand up to China, cutting costs for working families and protecting a woman’s right to choose.”

If reelected, Luria previously said protecting abortion rights, strengthening national defense and fighting back against efforts to undermine the nation’s democracy would be among her top priorities.

Kiggans is a state senator who was elected to the General Assembly in 2019. She is a former Navy helicopter pilot who works as a geriatric nurse practitioner.

In a Monday statement, Kiggans said Virginians have watched her opponent “campaign like a moderate yet vote with (House Speaker) Nancy Pelosi and Joe Biden.”

“I have listened to Virginians in the 2nd District talk about the issues that matter most to them,” she said. “I look forward to sharing my vision with coastal Virginians on how I will work to restore American strength in our economy, at our borders, in our communities and on the world stage.”

Kiggans previously identified tightening border security, reducing government spending and strengthening the economy as among her top concerns.

Gianni Snidle, press secretary for the Democratic Party of Virginia, said Monday that the organization hopes Kiggans will “come clean” during the debate about her stance on abortion.

“After months of running from reporters and voters, coastal Virginians will finally have a chance to see Kiggans for who she really is — a political opportunist and a threat to women’s health and rights,” he said.

Ellie Sorensen, press secretary for the Republican Party of Virginia, said the organization believes Kiggans is a “principled conservative” who has what it takes to win.

“Elaine Luria’s radical left position on Biden’s failed agenda and policies are hurting Virginians and we look forward to seeing Sen. Kiggans representing the 2nd district in Washington,” Sorensen wrote Monday.

Tickets for Wednesday’s debate can be purchased on the organization’s website.

Luria and Kiggans will face off again during a candidate forum on Oct. 17 in Smithfield. The event is hosted by the Isle of Wight Citizens Association, Carrollton Civic League, Isle of Wight NAACP and the Central/Southern Citizens Group.

A WTKR televised debate is also set for Oct. 25.

Election Day is Nov. 8; early voting is already underway.

Katie King, katie.king@virginiamedia.com