Virginia 2nd Congressional District Candidates Face Public Scrutiny Ahead of 2026 Election
Virginia public media stations hosted a Q&A session with candidates for Virginia's 2nd Congressional District ahead of the 2026 general election. Incumbent Republican Jen Kiggans, Democratic challenger Elaine Luria, and independent candidates Matt Baker and Bishop Staten were asked about…
Richmond Petersburg, VA, September 24, 2026 —
Virginia public media stations recently convened a question-and-answer session featuring candidates vying for the 2nd Congressional District seat in the upcoming 2026 general election. The event aimed to provide voters with insight into the policy stances and priorities of those seeking to represent the district.
Participants in the Q&A included the incumbent Republican representative, Jen Kiggans, and the Democratic challenger, Elaine Luria. Two independent candidates, Matt Baker and Bishop Staten, also participated in the process.
The candidates were presented with a questionnaire to solicit their views on various issues pertinent to the district. However, reporting on the event indicates differing levels of participation. Jen Kiggans and Matt Baker did not submit responses to the questionnaire distributed by the public media organizers. In contrast, both Elaine Luria and Bishop Staten provided their answers to the questions posed.
The format of the event and the submission of candidate responses are intended to inform the electorate as the 2026 election cycle progresses. The specific topics covered in the questionnaire were focused on the candidates’ policy positions and their priorities should they be elected or re-elected to represent the Virginia 2nd Congressional District. Further details regarding the specific policy questions asked or the content of the submitted answers were not provided in the summary information.
Story summarized from the original created by WHRO Staff on www.vpm.org, see more information here.
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