Exclusive: The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) has launched a six-figure digital ad campaign in Virginia’s Second Congressional District aimed at Black voters, who make up roughly 25% of the district’s electorate, the committee announced on Sept. 15.
Virginians are ready to vote extremist Jen Kiggans out. She’s made it clear she only works to please Trump, voting with him 100% of the time,” said DCCC National Black Engagement Director Tierra Ward.
The first ad, titled Playing, argues that Rep. Jen Kiggans has prioritized loyalty to President Donald Trump over the interests of her constituents, citing her record of voting with Trump 100% of the time on what Democrats describe as an extreme Republican agenda that burdens working families.
The ad specifically criticizes Kiggans for votes that Democrats say have driven up health care costs, as well as her past comments expressing strong support for the war in Iran — a conflict the DCCC links to record-high gas and diesel prices. Rep. Kiggans is currently running ads touting a willingness to work for bipartisan agreements and highlighting her military service.
Gas prices in the second district have spiked hard this fall: Virginia’s average price hit $4.14 a gallon as of September 14, 2026, up from $2.96 a gallon a year earlier, driven by Trump’s decision to start a war on Iran which then caused a disruption to global oil supply.
Because of Trump’s policies, SNAP participation fell from about 867,000 Virginians in June 2025 to roughly 749,000 by June 2026, a decline of nearly 14 percent after Trump’s cuts to SNAP funding, expanded work requirements, and cost shifting to states. On health care, the picture is just as stark: Virginia’s Department of Medical Assistance Services projects hospitals statewide will lose about $26 billion in payments over the next 14 years, and up to 600,000 Virginians may lose health coverage by 2027 because of Medicaid changes in Trump’s budget.
Rep. Kiggans has not held a pre-announced in-person town hall to address the above issues. The campaign between Kiggans and Democrat Elaine Luria, a U.S. Navy vet and former congresswoman seeking to reclaim the seat is one of the top races in the 2026 cycle that will decide control of the U.S. House. The DCCC points to Luria’s record on lowering prescription drug prices, pushing for increased military pay, and pursuing anti-corruption measures as evidence she offers “real solutions” for the district.
Virginia’s second congressional district includes Virginia Beach and other parts of Hampton Roads, has been a closely watched swing district in recent election cycles.
