Luria to Rematch Kiggans in Virginia's Competitive 2nd District
Former Democratic Congresswoman Elaine Luria secured her party’s nomination in Tuesday’s primary, setting up a rematch against Republican Representative Jen Kiggans in November’s general election. Luria defeated three other candidates to win the Democratic nomination.
Background
Luria previously held the seat for two terms, losing to Kiggans in 2022 following redistricting that shifted the district’s political landscape more favorably to Republicans. The district, encompassing Virginia’s Eastern Shore and Virginia Beach, has historically flipped party control multiple times since 2008, supporting both Republican and Democratic candidates.
Recent Election Results
In 2021, the district voted for Republican Glenn Youngkin for governor, followed by Democratic Governor Abigail Spanberger in 2024. While voting for former President Joe Biden in 2020, the district also supported Donald Trump in 2024. Efforts to redraw state congressional districts in favor of Democrats were unsuccessful, as a voter-approved measure was struck down by the state Supreme Court, maintaining the existing boundaries.
District Overview
The University of Virginia’s Center for Politics currently rates the race as a ‘toss-up.’ Luria, a 20-year Navy veteran, was first elected to Congress in 2018, part of a group of Democratic women with national security backgrounds who contributed to the party’s recapture of the House majority. Kiggans is also a Navy veteran, having served as a helicopter pilot for a decade.
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