'The hood is off': Internet explodes over GOP lawmaker's 'brazenly racist' interview
By Matthew Chapman
Published May 11, 2026 7:51 PM ET
Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-VA), already one of the GOP's most vulnerable incumbents even after state courts struck down efforts to redraw her district to favor Democrats, landed in hot water on Monday after a clip went viral of her agreeing with a right-wing talk radio host telling Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) to "get your cotton-picking hands off of Virginia" — a common colloquial phrase, but one with a deeply charged double meaning given that Jeffries is Black.
The moment immediately brought her under fire on social media, including from some fellow members of Congress.
"The hood is off," wrote Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY). "Apologize and get out or you will be shown the door in November.
https://www.rawstory.com/jen-kiggans/
I can't wait for her to fill out an application for a job ..................she is in a different ball game when it comes to being a public figure..............usually when you get fired the company cannot ask why you were fired, but cause is still cause ........and her remarks are public.............no excuse can cover that simple fact