Black Faith Leaders Challenge Kiggans on Race, Medicaid and ‘Cotton Pickin’ Comment To Hakeem Jeffries

Beneath the stained-glass windows of a Virginia Beach church this week, Black pastors, rabbis, chaplains and faith leaders plan to gather with a message they say is rooted as much in moral conviction as politics: silence is no longer an option.

The coalition of clergy from across Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District is calling out Va. Rep. Jen Kiggans over what they describe as both her response to racist remarks directed at House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and her support for policies they say disproportionately harm Black families.

On Thursday (June 11) evening, New Hope Baptist Church will host a vigil-style gathering featuring prayers, testimony and speeches from faith leaders and community members. Organizers say the event is intended to shine a light on what they view as a troubling intersection of racial insensitivity and public policy.

“Recent reports that you agreed with racist remarks made about Leader Hakeem Jeffries were deeply painful and concerning,” the clergy wrote in a letter delivered to Kiggans. “In moments like these, leadership requires more than clarification. It requires action that demonstrates respect and a commitment to serving every person with dignity.”

The gathering comes weeks after Kiggans reportedly cosigned racist comments made during a Republican meeting, telling Jeffries to keep his “cotton-picking hands off of Virginia,” according to the New York Times. The insensitive language immediately drew criticism from civil rights advocates and Democratic leaders. The controversy has reignited conversations about race and representation in a district with deep Black roots and a growing population of working-class families dependent on federal safety-net programs.

Kiggins later denied endorsing such language, according to 13 NewsNow. Still, for the faith leaders, this debate is more than just about disturbing rhetoric.

“In Scripture, we are called to love our neighbors, feed the hungry, and heal the sick,” the letter states. “The policies that you have voted on go against that.”

The coalition accuses Kiggans of supporting legislation that threatens Medicaid and SNAP benefits, arguing that cuts to those programs would fall hardest on communities already struggling with health and economic disparities, we previously told you.

“Black families in this district deserve to know that their elected representative is committed to protecting their well-being, not supporting policies that harm them,” the letter says.

Among those signing are the Rev. Gary McCollum of First Baptist Church Bute Street, Rabbi Ellen Jaffe-Gill of Tidewater Chavura, the Rev. James Hood Jr. of New Hope Baptist Church, Pastor Veronica Coleman, the Rev. Dr. Eric Majette, Episcopal priest John Baldwin and several other faith leaders representing congregations across Hampton Roads.

At a moment they say demands healing rather than division, the clergy are urging Kiggans to restore support for Medicaid and SNAP and recommit herself to serving all constituents.

“Words matter, but so do actions,” they wrote. “The people of this district need leaders who stand up for the most vulnerable among us and protect access to health care and food.”

As candles are lit and prayers are offered Thursday night, organizers hope the vigil becomes more than a protest. They hope it becomes a call to conscience.