Rep. Jen Kiggans Leads in Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District Race

U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans, a Republican from Virginia, is poised to retain her seat in the 2nd Congressional District, according to unofficial election results released on November 5, 2024. As of 8:32 p.m., Kiggans was leading her Democratic challenger, Missy Cotter Smasal, with 56.5% of the more than 36,700 votes counted, while Smasal garnered 40.6% of the votes.

The 2nd Congressional District encompasses a broad area including Isle of Wight, the cities of Franklin, Suffolk, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach, as well as Northampton and Accomack counties on the Eastern Shore and part of Southampton County. However, results from Northampton and Southampton counties and the city of Chesapeake were still pending as of the last update.

In Isle of Wight County, where 15 of the 17 precincts had reported results, Kiggans received support from 59.8% of the voters, while Smasal secured 30%, and independent candidate Robert Reid Jr. garnered 2%. The remaining votes were for write-in candidates.

This election is part of a broader national context, with the presidential race also ongoing. In Isle of Wight County, former President Donald Trump was leading with 59% of the votes, while Vice President Kamala Harris had 39.7% of the votes across the reporting precincts.

The final tally and declaration of the winner in both the congressional and presidential races may be delayed due to differing state laws regarding the counting of mail-in ballots and the time difference between East Coast and West Coast states.