Virginia's 2nd District to see rematch between Kiggans, Luria

Virginia's closely contested 2nd Congressional District is set for a rematch between former Democratic congresswoman Elaine Luria and Republican Rep. Jen Kiggans. Luria secured the Democratic nomination in Tuesday's primary, setting the stage for a repeat of the 2022 contest.

Luria, a 20-year Navy veteran, previously held the seat for two terms before losing to Kiggans in 2022. Redistricting efforts at the time made the district more favorable to Republicans. Kiggans, also a Navy veteran, served as a helicopter pilot for a decade.

The military-heavy district, encompassing Virginia's Eastern Shore and Virginia Beach, has a history of political volatility, having switched party control four times since 2008. It has supported both Republican and Democratic candidates for governor and president in recent years.

The University of Virginia's Center for Politics rates the upcoming race as a toss-up, highlighting its competitive nature. Democrats had attempted to redraw congressional districts earlier this year to benefit their party, but the state Supreme Court struck down the measure, leaving the existing boundaries in place.