Fri Sep 13 18:56:00 UTC 2024: ## Kiggans Leads in Tight 2nd District Race: New Poll Shows Split Voter Sentiment

**Virginia Beach, VA** – With Labor Day marking the traditional start of Virginia’s political campaign sprint, a new poll shows a tight race in the 2nd Congressional District, a district known for its military presence and volatile voting history.

Republican Rep. Jen Kiggans holds a slight lead over her Democratic challenger, Missy Cotter Smasal, according to the poll conducted by Christopher Newport University’s Wason Center. Kiggans garnered 45% support, while Cotter Smasal received 40%, with a margin of error of plus or minus 4.7 percentage points.

The poll also revealed a stark split in voter sentiment, with the district mirroring the national political divide. While former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are tied at 46% each in the district, Harris leads statewide by 8 to 10 percentage points, according to recent polls.

The 2nd District, known for its “swingy” nature, has seen eight different representatives since 2000. This election cycle, the district’s unique voter profile, including a large military population, has resulted in a focus on issues like the economy, inflation, and immigration, as opposed to national concerns like threats to democracy or abortion, which are typically prioritized by Democratic voters.

While the poll suggests a slight lead for Kiggans, Cotter Smasal’s support has the potential to grow, with promises of major Democratic political action committee funding for advertising and voter mobilization efforts. The poll also found that a significant percentage of independent voters, as well as Black and college-educated voters, remain undecided.

The tight race in the 2nd District highlights the national political climate, where voters are increasingly split along partisan lines. As the campaign heats up, the race is likely to be closely watched, particularly with the national implications of the House majority at stake.

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