Jennifer Kiggans

Jennifer Kiggans was born in Tampa, Florida in 1971.[1] Kiggans served in the U.S. Navy from 1993 to 2003. She earned a bachelor's degree in international relations from Boston University in 1993, a bachelor's degree in nursing from Old Dominion University in 2011, and a master's degree in nursing from Vanderbilt University in 2012.[2][3]

Kiggans' career experience includes working as an adult-geriatric nurse practitioner, a naval aviator helicopter pilot, and a Japan exchange English teacher from 1993 to 1994. She has been associated with American Geriatrics Society, Virginia Geriatrics Society, Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, American Nurses Association, The American Legion Post 110, and Republican Professionals Network.[2][3] Kiggans served in the Virginia Senate from 2020 to 2023.[1]

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Campaign websiteKiggans' campaign website stated the following:Jen on the IssuesThe Cost of LivingIn Congress, Jen has prioritized cutting inflation and lowering the cost of living to create a more secure economy for the American people. She successfully fought to reduce federal spending by helping to pass Washington’s first meaningful spending cuts in years. She’s also fought to pass legislation to protect working families and small businesses from government overreach, reduce executive branch overspending, and bring much-needed oversight to federal agencies.Congresswoman Kiggans was proud to support the Working Families Tax Cuts, which were signed into law, to deliver relief for Americans and put more money in their pocketbooks by making the 2017 tax cuts permanent and advancing affordability measures for families, such as eliminating most taxes on tips and overtime.Growing JobsJen focuses on pro-growth policies that empower small businesses to do what they do best: create jobs and grow our economy. She fights to help industries critical to Virginia’s economic success hire new workers, reduce Washington’s regulatory burden, and keep government out of businesses’ day-to-day operations.Jen also knows how important it is to keep taxes low for working families, which is why she fought to expand the Child Tax Credit. In Washington, she’s worked hard to pass legislation that reverses the impacts of wasteful government spending while fully funding and protecting important priorities like veterans’ benefits, the U.S. military, and Social Security & Medicare.Jen has strengthened job opportunities in the Hampton Roads area by requiring the Navy to evaluate workforce availability, apprenticeship pipelines, and training infrastructure when selecting future shipbuilding and repair sites. She is a staunch supporter of small businesses and works hard in Washington to make it easier for Americans to open their own businesses and achieve the American dream.EconomyJen wants to build on the strong economy that President Trump put back into motion. As a strong believer in fiscal responsibility, Jen was raised by her parents to pay her bills on time and not spend more than she had in the bank. She knows her children and grandchildren will be saddled with the responsibility for the reckless spending of the previous administration and will continue to be a staunch advocate for strong fiscal policy that incentivizes continued growth in the American economy and puts more money in the wallets of all Americans.In Washington, she’s worked hard to pass legislation that reverses the damage of wasteful government spending while fully funding important priorities like veterans’ benefits, the U.S. military, and Social Security and Medicare.Stopping the Crisis at the BorderJen is a supporter of Trump’s efforts to secure our border after the disastrous Biden administration’s disastrous management of it. She is proud to have supported increased border security funding and has supported major investments in border agents, technology, and infrastructure through key 2025 votes (such as the OBBB) and funding packages, including $47 billion to finish the wall, which was signed into law and has virtually eradicated illegal border crossings in the past 7 months.She has also proudly voted in favor of bipartisan legislation and cosponsored the Laken Riley Act, which aims to strengthen interior enforcement and was signed into law.Law Enforcement and Public SafetyJen knows our courageous first responders who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe deserve our respect and support. In the State Senate, Jen fought tirelessly for police officers, firefighters, emergency responders, and correctional officers to ensure they are fully funded, well-trained, and equipped with the best possible technology and tools necessary to stop crime, provide care, and keep Virginia Beach safe.Jen has seen the Democrats’ anti-police agenda endanger our communities and jeopardize an already demoralized workforce. She has spoken out against harmful efforts to defund the police, take tactical resources away from law enforcement, and limit their ability to productively do their job. In Congress, Jen joined fellow lawmakers to show support for law enforcement, reject efforts to defund the police, and ensure that Virginians working in and visiting our nation’s capital are not victims of Washington Democrats’ soft-on-crime policies. She has also supported expanding federal enforcement of organized retail crime penalties.Jen will continue to fight Democrats’ efforts to defund or abolish police departments. She will never support legislation that weakens law enforcement in Virginia or makes it harder for our police officers to do their job. Jen maintains an open line of communication with first responders and community leaders across Coastal Virginia to facilitate conversations on how best to work together to protect our citizens and promote safety among our communities.As a mom of four, Jen wants families to feel safe in their own homes and neighborhoods and will work to make sure our children can safely play in the FRONT yard again.Prioritizing National SecurityJen served for ten years in the U.S. Navy, completing two deployments to the Persian Gulf as an H-46 and H-3 helicopter pilot. Jen’s father also served as a Green Beret in the Army during the Vietnam War and her husband is a retired U.S. Navy F/A-18 pilot. Now she is a proud Navy Mom as well. As a veteran with a long family history of military service, she knows the importance of a well-funded military and strong national defense to the security of America.Since day one in office, Jen has been a tireless advocate for the men and women of our Armed Forces and their families. In just over a year, Jen has successfully fought for funding to support infrastructure repair and improvements at military installations in Hampton Roads – including the construction of new childcare facilities, introduced and championed legislation to ensure U.S. troops are paid in the event of a government shutdown, and passed a transformational defense bill which includes record investments in servicemember quality of life, including her bipartisan legislation to improve mental healthcare availability and resources to U.S. Sailors.Jen has also supported legislation that refocuses the Department of Defense’s priorities on warfighting capabilities and deterrence, which are core components of her belief that global peace can only be achieved through American strength. She continues to ensure American military forces are equipped with the technology and training needed to combat the growing and complex national security challenges around the world. She remains committed to holding the Biden Administration and Democrats in Washington accountable for their failures to deter global threats like China, Russia, and Iran.Delivering for Our VeteransAs a 10-year Navy veteran, daughter of a veteran, wife of a veteran, and mother to future veterans, Jen knows how important it is for our nation to honor its promises to our veterans, which is why she successfully fought to fully fund the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and provide them with their largest-ever budget during her first term in Congress. She also knows the unique challenges veterans face with employment, education, and healthcare. Jen’s passion for improving the lives of former servicemembers is no secret; during her first month in office, she was selected to Chair the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee’s Oversight & Investigations Subcommittee, where she works every day to ensure the VA is providing America’s heroes with a system they can rely on for the benefits and quality care they’ve earned.As a State Senator, Jen was the proud patron of a bill – which was signed into law – to create a “Military Spouse Liaison” position within the Virginia Department of Veterans Services. She has been a strong voice for finding innovative ways to encourage veterans to stay in Virginia after their time in the service has ended, including reducing taxes on military retirement pay, offering workforce opportunities that translate from military service, and easing the certification process for veterans and their spouses to allow them to enter the local workforce easier.In Washington, Jen is a staunch advocate for the health and well-being of America’s veterans. During her first term, Jen introduced legislation to modernize the VA, support service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, and improve post-service education and employment opportunities for members of our Armed Forces. Her first standalone bill to pass the House – the Caregiver Outreach and Program Enhancement (COPE) Act – would provide increased mental health resources to veterans’ caregivers and improve safety at VA medical facilities, ensuring that America’s veterans are properly cared for and feel safe when they access the benefits they earned.Improving Education & Our SchoolsAs a Mom of four, Jen prioritizes the safety and security of our students. Every child, regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status, deserves a high-quality education. In Congress, Jen prioritizes making students the focus of our education system and equipping our teachers with the tools and resources they need in the classroom to improve outcomes for America’s next generation. Additionally, she also understands the importance of keeping big government out of the classroom and empowering teachers and parents to determine the most effective way to teach our children. Jen stands against policies that divide our children – like Critical Race Theory – which segregates students into groups based on race and skin color, making unity impossible. She has been a staunch advocate for school choice and prioritizes teaching our children “how to think” and not “what to think” in addition to focusing on basic education components of reading, writing, math, and life skills. She also voted for the Parents Bill of Rights to ensure the rights of parents are honored in our public schools.Reforming HealthcareAs a Primary Care Adult-Geriatric Nurse Practitioner, healthcare affordability and accessibility are some of Jen’s top priorities in Congress. She believes all people should have the opportunity to receive quality primary care to maintain good physical and mental health. Patients who are engaged in their primary healthcare live well, suffer fewer chronic conditions, and save on overall healthcare costs. In Washington, Jen’s fought to expand medicare coverage and improve access to virtual healthcare.Jen led the bipartisan effort to renew and reform the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits. And co-lead a bipartisan group announcing CommonGround 2025, a framework to extend premium tax credit relief for American families — a direct affordability action for working families’ healthcare costs. She also introduced bipartisan measures to lower ever-increasing prescription costs and expand access for military families and seniors making living everyday life more affordable for more Americans. Congresswoman Kiggans has also been a tireless advocate for expanding mental health resources. She brought that passion to Congress during her first term, introducing bills to provide health providers with critical mental healthcare resources, reauthorize funding for youth substance abuse treatment programs and increase mental health services available to Medicare patients.Jen has an intricate knowledge of the challenges facing American healthcare workers. During her first term, Jen was named as Vice Chair of the Congressional Nursing Caucus, where she works with her fellow caucus leaders on both sides of the aisle to address healthcare staffing shortages and allow qualified healthcare professionals to practice to the full extent of their training. She consistently uses her voice as a Member of Congress and background as a healthcare provider to raise awareness of healthcare providers’ needs. Ensuring these needs are adequately addressed is an essential part of providing comprehensive and quality care for people of all ages.Protecting Medicare and Social SecurityIn Congress, Jen is a fierce advocate for seniors and fights to protect and preserve Medicare and Social Security. You can count on Jen to ensure that those who are receiving or near to receiving benefits will not have them touched. She knows that many older Americans live on fixed incomes and rely on these programs, which is why she immediately supported legislation to protect both Social Security and Medicare from being used to finance Democrats’ out of touch policies. She opposes Medicare for All, which would ruin seniors’ healthcare. Coastal Virginians who rely on these programs can rest assured that Jen is their biggest champion in Washington.Securing Our ElectionsJen has proven that she is willing to keep fighting to ensure our elections remain fair and secure. She voted for the Save America Act, which would ensure secure elections by requiring photo ID.She is committed to stopping voting irregularities, maintaining a photo ID requirement, preventing ballot harvesting, and ensuring that all state election officials—not just those in battleground states—can keep our electoral process secure and transparent.Holding China AccountableThe Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and Xi Jinping are committing mass genocide, silencing freedom, stealing American jobs and intellectual property, buying up American land, and lying about the origins of a global pandemic that led to the death of hundreds of thousands of Americans. Jen knows we cannot trust China or any politician that puts the interests of the CCP ahead of the American people.Jen fights for policies that hold the CCP accountable. She supports legislation to impose sanctions against the Chinese government for their responsibility in the fentanyl crisis and prevent the sale of the United States’ Strategic Petroleum Reserve to CCP-controlled entities. Additionally, the fiscal year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act – which Jen worked on as a member of the Armed Services Committee – ensures that our military has adequate resources to deter the growing threats in the South China Sea.Jen prioritizes protecting American jobs and intellectual property from being stolen by the CCP. This ensures China never dictates America’s future and we remain a leader on the world stage. She believes America must be much less dependent on China for the manufacturing of our goods, medications, and technology.Respect for LifeJen believes we should approach this issue with compassion, common sense, and consensus. While extreme politicians have overly politicized this issue, she believes abortion laws should be determined at the state level and is firmly opposed to the radical policies which would allow abortions up to the moment of birth. Jen has consistently advocated for women to choose life, but respects exceptions for rape, incest, and life of the mother.In Congress, Jen has supported legislation to help prevent premature births, provide adoption information to people about federally funded family planning programs, and protect born-alive abortion survivors. For women, Jen has supported expanding access to birth control and contraception (including eliminating co-pays), as well as protecting Americans’ access to In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Furthermore, as a nurse practitioner, Jen will ensure that mothers have access to the highest quality of care and the resources they need for the best health outcomes possible.Defending the Second AmendmentJen is a staunch defender of the Second Amendment who never compromises our right to bear arms. In Congress, Jen stands up for our Second Amendment rights and supports policies that make it easier for law-abiding Virginians to protect themselves and their families while getting guns out of the hands of criminals.Protection of Women's SportsJen has consistently voted to protect women’s sports and athletics for biological women since her days in the Virginia Senate. She has both sponsored and voted for legislation to protect Title IX and the opportunities women have through sports and athletics both on the state level and during her time in Congress, including voting for the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025 in the U.S. House of Representatives.— Jennifer Kiggans' campaign website (August 17, 2026)Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

Jennifer Kiggans did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a State Senator, geriatric nurse practitioner, U.S. Navy veteran, mother, Navy wife, and Republican candidate for Congress in Virginia’s 2nd District.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Restore strength in our economy.Restore strength in our borders.Restore America's strength on the world stage.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am a strong advocate for pro-growth policies that empower small businesses to do what they do best - create jobs, expand, and bolster our economy, combating the rising cost of living and increase energy costs hurting our families, fighting for election integrity, standing with law enforcement and our first responders to keep Hampton Roads safe, championing conservative values, and standing with parents and students against “wokeism” entering our schools.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to my parent’s leadership styles… My Mother (who was a nurse) set a wonderful example for me to achieve academically. She valued education, studying hard, and being a vocal advocate for issues I felt strongly about. My Father (who is an Army Vietnam veteran) has a leadership style I try to emulate. He is a bold, quiet leader who observes, thinks, then makes a decision to lead. I think I am a good combination of their two personalities, priorities, and leadership traits and it has never steered me wrong!

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

The most important characteristic for an elected official is to be a good listener. Everyone wants to feel heard in life. When people are struggling or hurting, it is especially important for someone to listen and respond to their needs. As an elected official, my job is to listen, try to understand, and try to provide help for their concerns.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibility for someone elected to this office is to be a representative of the people and of the district. This means understanding your constituents and their priorities and knowing when to deviate from the majority or caucus to vote according to your district and the will of the people you represent.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to make the world a better place for our older adult patient population. The frail elderly are an underrepresented and sometimes voiceless group who needs more advocates in government. There is much need for nursing home reform and support for our caregivers in the present healthcare system. It is an honor to fight for our Greatest Generation in politics.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was shelving books at our local library after school. It was a great job because it opened my eyes to all the subjects written in books and allowed time for me to read and soak in all kinds of learning from published authors. Plus I always knew what the most read books were in town!

What is your favorite book? Why?

My favorite books are ones written by military prisoners of war from the Vietnam era. Their survival stories of the most challenging of times and how they sacrificed for our country are truly inspiring and incredible. I am in awe of their patriotism and their dedication and service to America.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Our standing on the world stage. I fear that our allies do not trust us and our enemies do not fear us. As a Navy Veteran, I am running for Congress to restore America’s strength in our foreign policy.

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Armed Services, Defense Appropriations, Energy and Commerce (Subcommittee on Health).

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

I am a firm believer that when people come together, we can produce better outcomes.

What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

1. Healthcare reform: Improved insurance coverage for alternative pain treatments such as chiropractors, physical therapy, and homeopathic treatments.

2. Veteran benefits: State tax exemption for military retirement pay.

3. Local business stimulation: Growing the entrepreneurial ecosystem to attract and keep new business including tech industries.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

As a healthcare provider, I am most passionate about healthcare reform and mental health advocacy.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Honesty, enthusiasm, creativity, drive

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Listen to the constituents they represent and value their priorities.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Working at the local library shelving books (age 15)

What is your favorite holiday? Why?

Fourth of July. I love everything patriotic

What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?

My running shoes. Running is my happy place!

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

No.

What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?

Bipartisan agreement on legislation.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature?

They should be able to listen to each other and to compromise fairly.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Absolutely. We all want what's best for Virginia so let's work together to make that happen.

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What is your political philosophy?

Virginians Deserve Better.

Is there anything you would like to add?

Jen Kiggans, former Navy pilot, nurse practitioner and conservative Republican has entered the race for the Republican nomination in Virginia’s 7th Senate district. The seat is currently held by retiring Senator Frank Wagner and includes parts of Norfolk and Virginia Beach.

Jen’s support has been overwhelming in the effort to begin her campaign. In less than 48 hours her campaign collected over 750 petition signatures from across the 7th Senatorial District, three times the 250 signatures required to be placed on the June 11th primary ballot.

“This groundswell of support shows Jen’s ability to not only win in November, but to also drive Republican turnout in a number of House of Delegate Districts”, said Delegate Glenn Davis.

After earning a degree from Boston University in International Relations, Jen stepped up to serve her country in the United States Navy. Jen served for ten years as a helicopter pilot flying H-46 and H-3 helicopters, completing two deployments to the Persian Gulf.

Jen is currently a board-certified Adult-Geriatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner and graduate of Old Dominion University's Nursing School and Vanderbilt University's Nurse Practitioner program. When she is not at EVMS, she also serves as a primary care provider for a small private practice. Jen has a passionate advocate for accessibility and affordability of mental health care and mental health screening.

Jen is a member of the Republican Professionals Network of Hampton Roads, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Virginia Geriatrics Society, and the American Legion. She is a recipient of the Boston University Scarlet Key Award for exceptional leadership and is a graduate of the University of Virginia's Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership.

As an everyday citizen who is frustrated with Virginia’s crisis in Richmond, Jen is running for the State Senate because she knows Virginia can do better than the current status quo. If elected, Jen will be a strong voice for Virginia’s veterans and the hardworking taxpayers of the 7th district. She will be a leader on the issues of job creation, keeping healthcare costs down, and upholding the sanctity of human life. Jen believes politics is about public service, not serving one’s self and would be honored to have your support in the June 11th Republican Primary.[13]

—Jennifer Kiggans[2]