Jennifer A. Kiggans is the Representative for Virginia's 2nd congressional district, serving in the One Hundred Eighteenth Congress since January 3, 2023. Born on June 18, 1971, in Tampa, Florida, she graduated from Bishop Moore Catholic High School in Orlando in 1989 and went on to obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree from Boston University in 1993, a Bachelor of Science from Old Dominion University in 2011, and a Master of Science from Vanderbilt University in 2012. She served in the United States Navy from 1993 to 2003.
Before entering Congress, Kiggans was a nurse practitioner and an adjunct faculty member. She also served in the Virginia State Senate from 2020 to 2023. Elected as a Republican, she has been active in a range of issues pertinent to her constituency and continues to shape her political career through various legislative initiatives and committee leadership roles.
Legislative Activity
As a member of the House, Kiggans has been involved in several committees, most notably the Armed Services Committee, where she serves on the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee, as well as the Natural Resources Committee, where she is part of the Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries Subcommittee. These committee roles position her to influence policies regarding military readiness, natural resource management, and environmental protection.
Kiggans has sponsored and co-sponsored several bills that reflect her policy priorities, including:
Additionally, she is a co-sponsor of bills aimed at supporting law enforcement, including the Back the Blue Act (HB355), which increases penalties for violence against law enforcement professionals.
Political Leanings
Kiggans' legislative initiatives and committee assignments indicate a commitment to traditional Republican values, emphasizing public safety, military support, and conservative fiscal policies. Her engagement with law enforcement issues and military service members reflects a strong allegiance to national security and community safety. Furthermore, her sponsorship of tax benefit enhancements suggests a focus on supporting families and fostering community resilience in the face of tragedy.
Personal Life and Community Engagement
Kiggans' background as a nurse practitioner and her military service contribute to her standing and credibility within her district, allowing her to connect on issues related to healthcare and veteran affairs. While her official biography does not delve into personal details such as family life or personal business endeavors, her professional experiences resonate with the constituents she serves. Through community involvement in areas such as health and education, Kiggans exemplifies a representative focused on serving her district while addressing broader national challenges.