GOP Lawmaker Under Fire After Radio Remarks

A Republican lawmaker is under fire for how she responded to a radio host's remark about House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. In the aftermath, Rep. Jen Kiggans of Virginia has criticized the host's line about Jeffries but also accused Democrats of lies and "distortion." The details of what happened:

• The host: During the Monday interview, Rich Herrera of Richmond's Morning News criticized Jeffries for the push to redraw the state's congressional districts, adding that the New Yorker should keep his "cotton-picking hands off of Virginia," reports Mediaite. Jeffries is Black.
• Kiggans: "That's right. Ditto. Yes. Yes to that," replied Kiggans. You can listen to the clip here, or the full interview.

• Democrats: Several are calling for Kiggans to resign, reports Axios, which rounds up reaction. "This racist rhetoric is absolutely disqualifying from a Member of Congress," wrote Democratic caucus chair Rep. Pete Aguilar. "Rep. Kiggans must apologize then get the hell out of the House." Former Rep. Elaine Luria, who is challenging Kiggans in the swing district, called it an example of a "racist dog whistle" beneath an elected official.
• Kiggans responds: "The radio host should not have used that language and I do not—and did not—condone it," she wrote. "It was obvious to anyone listening that I was agreeing Hakeem Jefferies should stay out of Virginia." Kiggans added that "every lie and distortion" by Democrats is an attempt to "distract from getting their hats handed to them and the Virginia Supreme Court's clear message: stop trying to rig our elections."