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Maggie’s List is throwing its weight behind Virginia U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans, a former Navy helicopter pilot and nurse practitioner who is seeking reelection to Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District, the conservative group announced Thursday.

“Congresswoman Kiggans draws from her experience as a former Navy helicopter pilot and a former nurse practitioner to champion commonsense solutions in the U.S. Congress,” the group wrote in its endorsement.

Kiggans successfully flipped the seat 2022 after defeating then-Democratic incumbent Elaine Luria. Kiggans subsequently won reelection in 2024, defeating Democratic challenger Missy Cotter Smasal by about 4 percentage points.

With Midterms next year expected to favor Democrats nationwide — Midterm Elections historically have seen significant gains among the party not in power in Washington — Kiggans is facing a potentially difficult second reelection battle for the district that includes Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Suffolk, and Franklin, and parts of Accomack, Northampton, Isle of Wight, and Southampton counties.

The group’s state chairs identify strong conservative women for endorsement, and make a final decision through a vote by the board, according to Maggie’s List Executive Director Jen Biddison.

“Running for Congress can be a daunting task, and yet these candidates have counted the cost and determined that their nation is worth the sacrifice,” Biddison said in the group’s announcement.

Kiggans does not currently face Primary opposition, but several Democrats are hoping for their party’s nomination to challenge her, including retired Marine Corps Lt. Col. Mike Williamson and a trio of political newcomers and relative unknowns Nicolaus Sleister, James Osyf, and John Stringfellow.

In a video announcement Tuesday, Williamson took aim at Kiggans’ support for President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” according to the Daily Signal.

“Jen Kiggans lied to us,” Williamson said in the video. “She voted to cut billions from veterans’ care and blow up our deficit to give handouts to her rich donors.”

In a statement, National Republican Congressional Committee spokeswoman Maureen O’Toole clapped back, calling Williams’ campaign announcement “delusional” and “out-of-touch.”

“Democrat Mike Williamson made up lies out of thin air about Rep. Jen Kiggans and then tried to deceive voters about his own party affiliation,” O’Toole said, a response that hints the GOP is taking his challenge at least somewhat seriously.

Kiggans has also received support from nationwide conservative advocacy organization American Action Network, which launched a $7 million advocacy effort in May focused on members of Congress who prioritize Social Security, prescription drug prices and Medicare.

“Conservatives in Congress are working hard to protect seniors and preserve health care benefits for all Americans,” American Action Network President Chris Winkelman said. “The proposals Liberal members of Congress support not only increase health care costs but do nothing to root out waste fraud and abuse in government.”

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Originally pulbished by Southeast Politics here: https://southeastpolitics.com/jen-kiggans-lands-backing-from-maggies-list-as-part-of-growing-list-of-national-endorsements/