Moms on the Trail: Motherhood, Military Service, and Running for Office with Congresswoman Jen Kiggans

Women's Public Leadership Network (WPLN) is excited to continue our podcast series, "Tips From The Trail," hosted by WPLN Founder & President Larissa Martinez, where we explore the path to political office, from the decision to run to election day.

In this episode, Larissa is joined by Congresswoman Jen Kiggans to discuss her journey from Navy helicopter pilot and geriatric nurse practitioner to serving Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives..

In this special episode to celebrate Mother’s Day, Congresswoman Kiggans shares how her experiences as a veteran, military spouse, mom of four, and healthcare provider shaped her decision to run for office, and how those experiences continue to guide her work in public service

See highlights from the episode below and listen to the podcast to hear all of the great advice Congresswoman Kiggans shared.

• From Frustration to Action: Like many Americans, Congresswoman Kiggans found herself frustrated by what she saw happening in politics. Her husband encouraged her to explore how to run for office. After attending a candidate leadership program and learning more about an open state Senate seat, she took the leap and began her first campaign.

  
  
• Real-World Experience Matters: Before serving in Congress, Congresswoman Kiggans served as a Navy helicopter pilot and later worked as a geriatric nurse practitioner. Those experiences gave her a clear sense of purpose in public service, especially around issues impacting military families, veterans, healthcare, and older adults. Her advice to women considering public office: build a career you love, serve your community, and bring that experience with you to the decision-making table.

• Family Comes First: As a mom of four, Congresswoman Kiggans is intentional about prioritizing her family while navigating the demands of public service. She shared how her team knows that family comes first, and how she works to protect time for her children, her husband, and the routines that keep them grounded.

• Protecting Kids in Public Life: Campaigns can be tough, especially when families are pulled into the public spotlight. Congresswoman Kiggans emphasized the importance of keeping children out of political attacks and regularly checking in with kids during the campaign season. Her approach is rooted in communication, support, and allowing her family to participate in public life on their own terms.
  
  
• Why Women’s Voices Matter: Congresswoman Kiggans reflected on the importance of having women with diverse backgrounds serving at every level of government. Whether as veterans, moms, healthcare providers, business owners, or community leaders, women bring perspectives that make policymaking stronger and more representative of the experience of all constituents.
  

If you’re considering a run for office, remember that your lived experience is valuable. The career you’ve built, the family you’ve raised, the community you’ve served, and the challenges you’ve navigated can all prepare you to lead.

WPLN is here to help you get there! Explore free candidate training resources on our website and check out our upcoming events where you can register for virtual and in-person programs and connect with a national network of women leaders.

Check out the full episode on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Podcasts!

ABOUT THE GUEST

Congresswoman Jen Kiggans represents Virginia’s Second Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, which includes Virginia Beach and surrounding communities. A Navy veteran, military spouse, and mom of four, Jen brings a lifetime of service to her role in Congress. She served 10 years as a U.S. Navy helicopter pilot, completing two deployments to the Persian Gulf, before using her GI Bill to become a board-certified geriatric nurse practitioner, caring for patients across Virginia. She later served three terms in the Virginia State Senate, where she championed legislation supporting military families and improving long-term care. Today, Jen is a strong advocate for the military community and is committed to bringing practical experience, civility, and effective leadership to Washington. Congresswoman Kiggans, her husband Steve, and their four kids live in Virginia Beach with their dog Chloe, cat Zoe, and bird Barbie.

WPLN, is a national nonprofit educating, organizing, and inspiring center- and right-leaning women to seek public office at all levels across the U.S. and become effective leaders. The views and policy positions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not represent endorsement by WPLN.