Who's In the Race

Rep. Jennifer A. Kiggans (R-VA) faces Democrat Elaine Luria, independent J. Matt Baker, and independent Geral D. "Bishop" Staten in the Nov. 3 general election in Virginia's 2nd District. The contest is a rematch of their 2022 race, and the Virginia Mercury has called it among the most-watched races in the nation. ​

Kiggans is a geriatric nurse practitioner who served in the Navy as a helicopter pilot. Luria, a former Navy commander with 20 years of nuclear-trained surface warfare experience, represented the district from 2019 to 2023.

Luria won the Democratic primary on Aug. 4 with about 80 percent of the vote over Nila Devanath, who drew about 16 percent. Kiggans ran unopposed in the Republican primary.

What They Stand For

Kiggans says she supports access to quality, affordable healthcare on her official House issues page. She's also supported:

  • Strengthening the healthcare workforce, drawing on her background as a geriatric nurse practitioner,
  • Cutting inflation and lowering the cost of living, according to her campaign website; and
  • support for access to quality, affordable healthcare.

Luria says "cost-spiking" tariffs should be ended, arguing they raise prices and hurt businesses and farmers, according to a VPM candidate survey. She also supports:

  • Acting as a congressional check on what she describes as President Donald Trump's "corruption," according to the Virginia Mercury voter guide,
  • Fighting corruption and addressing rising costs for working families, according to her campaign website; and
  • a commitment to fighting corruption, which her campaign's media page highlights.

The Money Behind the Race

Kiggans raised about $5.95 million through July 15 and had about $3.39 million in the bank, according to Federal Election Commission filings. Luria raised about $4.66 million through July 15 and had about $3.58 million in cash on hand, also per FEC filings.

Outside groups had spent about $131,000 in the race as of Oct. 13, with about $113,000 of that backing Kiggans and about $18,000 supporting Luria. No Going Back PAC Inc. was the largest outside spender by pending commitments, with more than $1.5 million in planned spending reported.

Race Outlook: Ratings and Betting Markets

The Cook Political Report rated the race a Toss-up as of Oct. 9. Sabato's Crystal Ball rated it Lean Democratic as of Oct. 11. Inside Elections also rated it a Toss-up as of Oct. 2.

On Kalshi, traders gave Democrats, whose nominee is Luria, an 86.27 percent chance of winning as of Oct. 13.

Kiggans won the district in both recent cycles, taking about 52 percent in 2022 and about 51 percent in 2024. Statewide, Democrats and Republicans each held the same split across both cycles, with Democrats winning six of Virginia's 11 U.S. House seats and Republicans winning five. Democrat Kamala Harris carried Virginia in the 2024 presidential race with about 52 percent of the vote.

Virginia voters must register by Friday, Oct. 23, to cast a regular ballot; same-day registration is available from Saturday, Oct. 24 through Election Day. The deadline to request a mail ballot is also Friday, Oct. 23. Early voting runs from Friday, Sept. 18 through Saturday, Oct. 31; hours vary by location and are set by local registrars. Polls on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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