On Wednesday, Republican Representative Jen Kiggans secured her reelection to a U.S. House seat representing Virginia, successfully overcoming the challenge posed by Democrat Missy Cotter Smasal. Both candidates share a military background, with Kiggans having served as a helicopter pilot in the Navy, while Cotter Smasal held the position of a surface warfare officer.

Virginia’s 2nd District holds significant military importance, housing the Naval Air Station Oceana located in Virginia Beach and being in close proximity to the largest naval base in the United States, situated in Norfolk. In the 2020 elections, the district had narrowly leaned towards Democrat Joe Biden, indicating a competitive political landscape. Kiggans had previously won against Democrat Elaine Luria in 2022, a victory attributed to redistricting efforts that made the seat more favorable for Republican candidates.

The announcement of Kiggans’ victory was made by media outlets at 5:28 p.m. EST, marking a notable moment in this election cycle for Virginia’s congressional representation. With her background in the military and previous electoral success, Kiggans is expected to continue navigating the complexities of her role in Congress, focusing on the interests of her constituents while contributing to national discussions from her unique perspective as a veteran.