Jen Kiggans said she should have objected on air after telling a WRVA host "Yes to that" when he said Hakeem Jeffries should keep his "cotton-picking hands" off Virginia.
In a Monday evening interview, the Virginia Republican said she agreed only with the view that Jeffries should not meddle in Virginia politics, not with the host's wording, which she said should never have been used.
The backlash accelerated after American Bridge 21st Century posted the clip online; former Rep. Elaine Luria called the segment disgusting, and state Sen. Aaron Rouse said he was deeply appalled.
The dispute comes as Kiggans has been attacking Democrats over Virginia redistricting after the state Supreme Court struck down the commonwealth's latest effort and reports said Democrats discussed removing justices.
How does the judiciary balance state law against federal oversight in these high-stakes election disputes?
What institutional changes can prevent charged language from derailing important political debates?