Republican Hit With Calls to Resign After Shocking Radio Interview
The Daily Beast • • nation
Key Points:
- Republican Congresswoman Jen Kiggans faced backlash after audibly endorsing a radio host's racially charged remark targeting House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a phrase linked to slavery and considered a racist dog whistle.
- The incident gained rapid attention after a Democratic super PAC shared the clip, leading to the show's removal from Apple Podcasts and calls from Democratic leaders for Kiggans to apologize and resign.
- Kiggans refused to apologize or step down, instead blaming Democrats for distorting the situation and framing the criticism as a distraction from electoral issues in Virginia.
- She claimed her agreement was about Jeffries' involvement in Virginia's redistricting efforts, denying condoning the offensive language and accusing Democrats of trying to undermine the state's court system.
- The controversy highlights ongoing tensions over redistricting battles in Virginia, with Jeffries supporting a plan that was recently struck down by the state’s high court, amid accusations of partisan power grabs.