politics
Virginia Rep. Jen Kiggans Agrees With Radio Host's Comment About Hakeem Jeffries
Rep. Jen Kiggans agreed with a radio host who told House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to keep his "cotton-picking hands" off Virginia during a discussion about redistricting. Democrats condemned the exchange as racist and demanded an apology or resignation. Kiggans said she did not condone the language and was only agreeing that Jeffries should stay out of Virginia politics.
May 11, 9:03 PM·3m read3 sources
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Rep. Jen Kiggans agreed during a radio interview with a host who used the phrase "cotton-picking hands" in reference to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and his involvement in Virginia politics. The interview occurred on Richmond's Morning News with host Rich Herrera as the pair discussed ongoing redistricting battles.
Jeffries has supported efforts to redraw Virginia's congressional maps, a process that has created tension between the two parties. The state Supreme Court overturned a map backed by Democrats, leading to a proposal from some Democrats to remove justices and replace them with others who might rule differently.
Herrera told listeners that if Jeffries wanted to influence Virginia politics he should move from New York, run for office in the state and represent its residents. "If not, get your cotton-picking hands off of Virginia," Herrera said. Kiggans responded with laughter and stated, "That's right.
" Democrats described the remark as racist, noting that Jeffries is Black and that the Southern colloquialism is viewed by some as a racial insult. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee said Kiggans must immediately apologize for agreeing with the comments and argued she is unfit to represent her district.
A former Democratic member of Congress now challenging Kiggans called the comments disgusting and beneath any elected official. Kiggans addressed the criticism in a post on X. She wrote that the radio host should not have used that language and that she does not and did not condone it.
Kiggans added that it was obvious to anyone listening that she was agreeing Jeffries should stay out of Virginia. She accused Democrats of distorting her words to distract from their losses and said they were trying to destroy the state's court system because they disagreed with its ruling.
