Republican Congresswoman Faces Calls to Resign Over Comments
Republican congresswoman Jen Kiggans is facing calls to resign. A radio host told Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries to keep his 'cotton-picking hands off of Virginia.' Kiggans responded: 'That's right.
Ditto. Yes.
Yes, to that.' Democrats and critics then called on her to resign. Kiggans said she was not endorsing the racist phrase.
She said she only meant Jeffries should stay out of Virginia. Jeffries is the highest-ranking Black elected official in Congress. Kiggans is also in a tough fight to keep her Virginia Beach seat.
Klear Note — The phrase 'cotton-picking' has a racist history tied to slavery. Jeffries is a Democratic leader in Congress. Kiggans is a Republican representing Virginia Beach.
Key Terms 3
- Hakeem Jeffries Top Democrat in Congress and minority leader in the House
- redistricting Redrawing the boundaries of voting areas
- minority leader Leader of the party with fewer seats in Congress