US Lawmaker Condemned Over Racist Comment About Congressional Colleague

US Representative Jen Kiggans Appears on Radio Talk Show, Endorses Racist Comment About Hakeem Jeffries

A statement from the office of US Representative Hakeem Jeffries has condemned a fellow lawmaker, US Representative Jen Kiggans, for endorsing a racist comment about him during a recent radio interview. The incident occurred on a conservative radio talk show where host Rich Herrera criticized Jeffries’ support for an effort to redraw Virginia’s congressional map.

During the conversation, Herrera stated that Jeffries should either relocate to Virginia and run for public office or “get his cotton-picking hands off of Virginia.” Kiggans responded by agreeing with the sentiment, saying “Yes. Yes to that.” The term “cotton picking” has historically been associated with racist language in the US.

Kiggans later clarified her statement, stating that she was not condoning Herrera’s use of the language but rather agreeing with the broad sentiment about Democrats’ efforts in state redistricting. However, a spokesperson for Jeffries, Christie Stephenson, condemned Kiggans, calling her comments “disgusting” and “vile.”

Top Democrats, including US Minority Whip Katherine Clark and California Governor Gavin Newsom, have called on Kiggans to resign. The Congressional Black Caucus has also posted a clip of the radio exchange on social media, stating that Kiggans’ agreement with Herrera’s statement was racist.

The incident comes amid a nationwide battle over redistricting, which is set to take place before the November midterm elections. Redistricting efforts have been contentious, with some states seeking to redraw maps to benefit one party or the other. The US Supreme Court has weighed in on the issue, striking down a key provision of the Voting Rights Act that aimed to prevent partisan gerrymandering.

Kiggans’ comments have sparked widespread criticism, with many calling for her resignation. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding redistricting and the use of racist language in politics.

Source: Al Jazeera