A Virginia representative is currently facing intense backlash after affirming a seemingly racist statement without fully considering its implications. The drama played out in an interview, which has since gone viral in a recording on X, formerly known as Twitter. In the upload, an excerpt from a program identified as Richmond’s Morning News, a speaker could be heard criticizing Hakeem Jeffries’ involvement in Virginia politics. He called for him to return from New York if he intended to interfere in Virginia affairs.
The speaker then added, “get your cotton-picking hands off of Virginia,” relaying what Jeffries should do. In agreement with the comment, Rep. Jen Kiggans, a guest on the show, immediately responded, “That’s right. Ditto. Yes, to that!“
According to CNN, Kiggans, a Republican congresswoman, had appeared on the program to discuss the state’s redistricting battle. However, since the clip resurfaced online, she has found herself defending her response amid growing calls for her resignation. While addressing the controversy, she stressed that she does not support Herrera’s wording, but claimed the backlash against her was fueled by lies from Democrats.
Kiggans further clarified that although she believed the radio host should not have used that phrase, her agreement was only in reference to Hakeem Jeffries staying out of Virginia politics.
Calls for Rep. Jen Kiggans‘ Resignation Flooded Social Media
Beyond political criticism, many social media users have demanded that she step down from office. “Oh they’re getting bold,” one user wrote while reacting to what they described as her audacity. Others joined the conversation, insisting she should resign and should not continue occupying public office. Some users went as far as accusing her of racism. “There shouldn’t even be a debate about her. She needs to resign,” one commenter stated bluntly.
Before long, criticism also expanded toward the country’s leadership itself. “Enabled by white supremacists in our ‘leadership’ like Trump and Musk,” another commenter wrote, while others argued that incidents like this validate concerns Black Americans have repeatedly raised about what MAGA represents beneath its branding. Many users continued labeling her remarks as racist while repeatedly calling for her removal from office. “These racists are now coming out of the woodwork, being emboldened by the biggest racist and fascist of them all, Donald Trump,” one user fired back. Another commenter added that rhetoric like this makes them feel the country is inching closer to politicians openly supporting slavery-era ideologies.
Amid the ongoing debate, some eagle-eyed X users pointed out that the interview itself appeared to have been removed from the internet. “And now this interview also appears to be taken off the radio host’s YouTube channel,” one user noted after previously reporting that it had also disappeared from Apple Podcasts.
Regardless of Rep. Kiggans’ intention, the controversy serves as a reminder of the importance of being careful and deliberate with language, especially during public broadcasts.
