Candidates running to represent Virginia’s second district in the U.S. House debated reproductive rights, national security and the economy Friday in Virginia Beach.
The Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce hosted the debate between Republican incumbent Jen Kiggans and Democratic challenger Missy Cotter Smasal at Virginia Wesleyan University.
Moderator Chris Saxman, a former state delegate, focused on the economy and national security, with questions ranging from the recent longshoremen strike; to tariffs and inflation; to the United States’ role in conflicts abroad.
Kiggans and Cotter Smasal made similar statements when it came to inflation and bolstering national security by supporting military personnel. Both are working to appeal to a similar base — families in the largely suburban swing district concerned about rising grocery prices and the increased cost of living, and the region’s substantial population of active duty and veteran military members.
But for two candidates with a lot in common, there was plenty of bipartisan back-and-forth.
Cotter Smasal continually highlighted her support for reproductive rights — it’s been one of her campaign’s clarion calls throughout the election season — and forced an exchange about the topic with Kiggans, although it was not a question Saxman put to the candidates. Kiggans said Cotter Smasal would be a “rubber stamp” for Democratic policies, and Cotter Smasal picked at Kiggans’ voting record.
Here are some highlights from the debate.
The economy
Kiggans said she hears from her constituents how worried they are about the economy and she wants to restore their confidence in it.
“We want to provide that security for everyone, so that you feel it in your pocketbook, so that you can afford your new house or new car, so that it’s not costing you $30 when you go through the drive through line, so that it’s not costing you hundreds of dollars to feed your family at the grocery store,” she said. “We’ve got to do a better job at putting that economic security back in people’s pocketbooks.”
Cotter Smasal zeroed in on what she sees as one source of the current prices consumers feel.
“I know my grocery bill is a constant source of concern, as I know it is for you too,” she said. “That’s why I think it’s incredibly important that we have people in Congress who will hold price gougers accountable. Corporations that are making record profits while we pay more every day are part of the problem.”
The candidates also addressed rising home costs, which an Old Dominion University report recently identified as a burden to the local economy.
Kiggans said policies have to make it easier for construction workers, developers and contractors to build more housing in the district.
Cotter Smasal said it’s important to incentivize first-time home buyers and discourage corporations from buying up housing stock, which can drive up prices.
National and border security
Both candidates emphasized the need for strong border security.
“It’s essential we know who’s coming into our country at all times,” Cotter Smasal said.
But there’s a difference between strength and cruelty, she said. The nation needs a strong border, but policies of family separation and dehumanizing rhetoric from the Republican party are “unacceptable,” she said.
Kiggans highlighted her voting record on the issue.
“I’ve consistently voted to secure our border and the people in this district know my position,” she said. She said she voted for a bill to finish the border wall and support the border patrol.
Kiggans and Cotter Smasal both discussed their histories of military service and advocated for increased defense spending.
On conflicts abroad, Cotter Smasal said it’s important to support U.S. allies, military and military families. She also voiced her support for diplomatic solutions to conflicts.
“War should always be the last option,” she said, mentioning military members who lost their lives in armed conflicts.
Kiggans said the U.S.’s national security is threatened by the weak leadership of the Biden-Harris administration and highlighted the importance of standing with allies in Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, Japan and Europe.
She said her role on the House Armed Services Committee supports the development and deployment of military technology in Ukraine so the U.S. can deter further warfare.
Kiggans said the issue of funding Ukraine is also an economic security issue, and said she wants to be a good steward of American taxpayer dollars.
Reproductive freedom
In response to a question about energy infrastructure, Kiggans said she wants to get the federal government out of people’s lives — a claim that Cotter Smasal called “audacious” in her rebuttal, referencing Kiggans’ house votes against bills designed to protect reproductive rights.
Candidates were allowed two minutes to answer questions from the moderator, and 30 seconds for rebuttal. Saxman allowed several rebuttals once both candidates engaged in the topic of reproductive rights.
“To clarify my stance on abortion, since my opponent continues to bring it up, I’ve never supported a federal ban on abortion,” Kiggans said. “It’s an issue that needs to be legislated and debated at the state level.”
“Jen Kiggans just told you she thinks politicians should have control over your body,” Cotter Smasal said.
