WhoRunsGov

Scott Rigell (R-Va.)

U.S. Representative (since January 2011)

Get updates:
In A
In B

Why He Matters

In 2010, wealthy Virginia Beach businessman Rigell defeated Rep. Glenn Nye (D) in Virginia's 2nd Congressional District, which includes Norfolk Navy and Langley Air Force bases.

He campaigned on a platform that included opposing President Barack Obama's health-care reform, upholding conservative social values, supporting gun rights and promoting energy independence from the Middle East and Latin America.

Read more

Corrections?
 
News From Around The Web

Terry McAuliffe suddenly all about the offshore drilling in Virginia via Hot Air

 

Virginia officials try again for offshore energy via United Press International

Article

With gun bill, Scott Rigell again willing to strike his own path

Republican lawmaker drawing the ire of some conservatives on issues such as gun control.

The Plum Line

A small victory against anti-tax conservatives

The fact that the absolutist antitax brigade is losing this battle is a small step in the right direction.

Virginia Politics

Scott Rigell, Paul Hirschbiel trade ‘clean campaign’ challenges

The incumbent wants a positive campaign, and his opponent wants a ban on anonymous outside spending.

The Plum Line

Rand Paul and the `politics of paranoia'

Another tale involving Senator Paul drives home why we can't make progress on any major issues facing the country.

 
 

At a Glance

  • Career History: Founder/Chairman, Freedom Automotive (1991-Present); Vice President and General Manager, Conoly Phillips Lincoln Mercury (1986-1990); Founder, Best Services (1983); U.S. Marine Corps Reserve (1978-1984)
  • Birthday: May 28, 1960
  • Hometown: Titusville, Fl.
  • Alma Mater: Mercer University, B.B.A., 1983; Regent University, M.B.A., 1990
  • Spouse: Teri
  • Religion: Orthodox Protestant
  • Committees Preferences: House Science and Technology Committee , House Homeland Security Committee
 

Path To Power

Rigell was born in 1960 to a middle-class family in Titusville, Fla.

He served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves from 1978 to 1984, rising to the rank of sergeant, and graduated from Mercer University in Macon, Ga., in 1983. Rigell earned his MBA from Regent University, a Christian school in Virginia Beach, Va., in 1990.

Read more

 

The Issues

A lifelong conservative, Rigell has vowed to roll back federal spending and support traditional marriage, rights for gun owners and energy independence.

The Tea Party

Rigell was not endorsed in his House bid by the local Hampton Roads tea party , but he has aligned himself with the movement, signing a pledge written by the party in August 2010 to oppose salary increases and other perks for House members until the federal budget is balanced and "vote against any legislation that abridges free speech under the guise of internet neutrality or campaign finance reform, supports kill switch, creates internet taxes, or imposes a fairness doctrine."

Read more

 

The Network

Rigell received campaign endorsements from Virginia Gov. Robert McDonnell (R) and former Virginia Gov.George Allen, both of whom Rigell supported earlier in their political careers. McDonnell is a personal friend of Rigell's.

 

Additional Resources

  1. "AP Election Guide," Associated Press, Aug. 6, 2010
  2. Pershing, Ben, "Virginia 2nd District Candidate Rigell Attacked on Cash for Clunkersand Obama Donation," Washington Post Virginia Politics Blog, May 12, 2010
  3. Radnofsky, Louise, "GOP's Scott Rigell to Face Va. Rep. Nye," Washington Post, June 8, 2010
  4. "Second Amendment Rights"
  5. "Where I Stand on the Issues"
  6. Berenger, Christopher, "Virginia's 2nd District Race: Republican Scott Rigell Challenges Democrat Glenn Nye," Associated Content, Sept. 3, 2010
  7. Pershing, Ben, "Rigell Signs Tea Party 'Pledge' in 2nd District," Washington Post Virginia Politics Blog, Aug. 27, 2010
  8. Bartel, Bill, "Back Rigell? Tea Party Probably Won't Endorse," The Virginian-Pilot, June 10, 2010
  9. "Scott Rigell's Biography"
  10. "Health Care in America"
  11. "Protecting Social Security"
  12. "AP Election Guide," Associated Press, Aug. 6, 2010
  13. "Family Values"
  14. "Scott Rigell Firmly Disagrees With Glenn Nye's Vote to Repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell," Scott Rigell Press Release, May 28, 2010
  15. "Energy"
  16. Fritze, John, "Dealers-Turned-Candidates Run Into Trouble," USA Today, May 12, 2010
  17. Bartel, Bill, "Rigell Takes GOP Primary in 2nd District," The Virginian-Pilot, June 9, 2010
  18. Walsh, Brian, "Scott Rigell's Hope for Virginia's 2nd Congressional District," Townhall.com, June 28, 2010