Jen Kiggans

Jen Kiggans is an American politician, former United States Navy officer, and nurse practitioner serving as the U.S. Representative for Virginia's 2nd congressional district since 2023. A member of the Republican Party, she previously served in the Virginia Senate representing the 7th district from 2021 to 2023. Her career has spanned military service in the United States Naval Reserve, healthcare, and state and federal legislative politics.

Early life and education

Jen Kiggans was born on June 18, 1971, in Suffolk, Virginia. She attended Old Dominion University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. Following her undergraduate studies, she pursued advanced medical training, obtaining a Master of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University to become a nurse practitioner. Her academic background in healthcare provided a foundation for her subsequent careers in both the military and public service.

Military and nursing career

Commissioned as an officer in the United States Naval Reserve in 1999, Kiggans served as a naval flight officer, supporting aviation missions. She achieved the rank of Lieutenant Commander during her service, which included deployments in support of operations in the Middle East. Concurrently, she worked as a nurse practitioner and clinical instructor, practicing in settings including the Veterans Health Administration and Sentara Healthcare system in Hampton Roads. She retired from the United States Navy in 2017 after 18 years of combined active and reserve duty.

Political career

Kiggans entered electoral politics in 2019, running for a seat in the Virginia Senate. She won the election for the 7th district in 2020, succeeding the late Frank Wagner, and took office in January 2021. In the Virginia Senate, she served on committees including Education and Health and Rehabilitation and Social Services. In 2022, she was elected to the United States House of Representatives, defeating incumbent Democrat Elaine Luria in a closely watched race for Virginia's 2nd congressional district. Upon taking her seat in the 118th United States Congress, she was assigned to the House Committee on Armed Services and the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Political positions

Kiggans aligns with mainstream Republican policy priorities, emphasizing a strong national defense, support for the military–industrial complex, and fiscal conservatism. She has advocated for increased funding for the United States Department of Defense and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. On domestic issues, she supports policies to reduce government regulation on businesses and has expressed opposition to the Affordable Care Act. She has taken a firm stance on border security, supporting the policies of the Trump administration and legislation to enhance enforcement by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Personal life

Jen Kiggans is married to Steve Kiggans, a former United States Navy pilot, and they have four children. The family resides in Virginia Beach. She is a practicing Christian and has been involved with local community organizations in the Hampton Roads area. Her personal experiences as a military spouse and healthcare provider frequently inform her legislative focus on veterans' issues and medical policy.

Category:1971 births Category:Living people Category:Members of the United States House of Representatives from Virginia Category:Virginia Republicans Category:Virginia state senators Category:United States Navy officers Category:People from Suffolk, Virginia Category:Old Dominion University alumni Category:Vanderbilt University alumni Category:American nurse practitioners