HAMPTON ROADS — U.S. Representative Jen Kiggans expressed strong support for U.S. military actions against Iran during an April appearance on 'The John Fredericks Show,' saying she 'couldn’t be a stauncher supporter' of the operations. Gas prices in the Hampton Roads region have since surged, reaching roughly $4.40 per gallon by Wednesday—up from about $2.95 in May 2025—and Kiggans faces growing criticism as the 2026 midterm election approaches.

Kiggans, a Republican from Virginia Beach seeking a third term, acknowledged the financial strain on constituents, stating, 'I need gas prices to come back down. I too am tired of paying high prices at the pump. We were doing good for a while. I know that the Iran conflict has a little bit to do with it, but we’ll keep working on it. We need that to come down before the midterms.' She also said she looks forward to 'continuing to support not only the actions of the administration, but also our men and women in uniform and their families who are here in Hampton Roads.'

Former U.S. Representative Elaine Luria, a Democrat, accused Kiggans of prioritizing former President Trump over local interests, saying, 'Jen Kiggans once again put President Trump above Hampton Roads and cast the deciding vote to continue this reckless war with Iran.' Luria added, 'She gave President Trump a blank check for an unnecessary war that is raising prices at the grocery store and the gas pump. The working families and military families of Hampton Roads deserve better than her failed leadership and empty promises.'

Average gas prices in the Norfolk-Virginia Beach-Newport News region climbed above $4 per gallon by early April 2026 and continued rising as global oil prices hit $100 a barrel following new U.S. strikes against Iran. By early May, some Hampton Roads residents reported commuting costs increasing from about $50 to as much as $80 per tank, with at least one driver saying he now fills his tank only partially based on what he can afford.

Eric Claville, a political analyst at Norfolk State University, noted the political challenge Kiggans faces. 'It is very hard for a candidate to actually balance something like that. Because these are kitchen table topics, like gas and affordability,' he said. 'The voters understand ideology, but they also understand their pocketbooks as well.'