A Congressional Race That’s a Referendum on the War

A congressional race in Virginia is becoming a referendum on the war in Iran. Over 80,000 veterans and 30,000 active-duty and reserve personnel live in the state's Second Congressional District, making the issue a significant one for voters. The district, which includes Naval Station Norfolk, has seen four changes in party control since 2008, with the results often reflecting overall House control.

Both Republican incumbent Jen Kiggans and Democratic challenger Elaine Luria, who are veterans themselves, have made the war a focal point of their campaigns, but they approach it from very different angles.

Luria, a former Navy commander, argues that the conflict in Iran is a war of choice that is weakening the military, endangering strategic goals, and causing additional burdens for service members. She emphasizes the need for oversight and holds the current administration responsible for the deteriorating conditions on aircraft carriers like the USS Gerald Ford.

Kiggans, a former naval-helicopter pilot, presents herself as a candidate who can work across party lines, and she has broken from the administration to advocate for offshore wind development. However, she supports Trump's stance on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Republican voters in the district generally back Kiggans' position on the war, viewing the temporary economic hardships as a worthwhile sacrifice for long-term security. In contrast, Luria is banking on the concerns of voters about the war's impact on the military and the economy. She argues that the unpopularity of Trump's foreign policy provides an opportunity to capitalize on these concerns.

The race has become a battleground for opposing views on the war, with veterans and active-duty personnel playing a significant role in shaping voters' opinions.