Edward Scott Rigell (born May 28, 1960) is an American businessman and politician who served as the U.S. representative for from 2011 to 2017. He declined to run for re-election in 2016, and he left office in January 2017.
A Republican, Rigell broke with the party establishment in August 2016, withdrawing his support for Donald Trump, the then-Republican nominee for President, endorsing Libertarian nominee Gary Johnson. Rigell has been characterized as a "Never Trump" Republican.
Early life and education
Rigell was raised in Titusville, Florida. He served for six years in the United States Marine Corps Reserve from 1978 to 1984, attaining the rank of Sergeant. His father served in the Marines in World War II, landing on Iwo Jima, and his son is a Marine. He holds an A.A. from Brevard Community College, a BBA from Mercer University, and a M.B.A. from Regent University.
Career
Prior to his election to Congress, Rigell and his wife Teri established, and continue to own, two new car dealerships under the name Freedom Automotive, one in Norfolk and the other in Chesapeake/Virginia Beach.
U.S. House of Representatives
Elections
2010
Rigell won the Republican nomination in a six-way race, defeating Bert Mizusawa. The Hill rated his primary race as one of the top seven Congressional primaries for that election cycle. Rigell was considered by many to be the favorite in the primary, because he had support from the National Republican Congressional Committee and Eric Cantor – at least after the primary, and was endorsed by Republican Virginia governor Bob McDonnell.
Rigell came under attack from his primary opponents for the dealerships he owns having sold 138 cars under the Cash for Clunkers program, which Rigell subsequently criticized as "reckless bailouts and an out-of-control federal debt." Rigell noted that buyers, not dealers, received program subsidies for trading up to a more fuel-efficient vehicle. A spokesman said that Rigell felt "an obligation to the people who work for him, and his customers." He also came under attack for making campaign contributions to Barack Obama during the 2008 Democratic primaries and to Virginia Democrat Louise Lucas in her bid against Randy Forbes. Rigell said he believed that Hillary Clinton would have been a worse option for president.
Rigell states that his top priority is reducing government spending and that he supports replacing the health care law with market-based reforms. As of June 4, 2010, Rigell had contributed $775,000 of his personal wealth to his campaign. Rigell defeated Democratic incumbent Glenn Nye for .
2012
Rigell was challenged by businessman and Democratic nominee Paul Hirschbiel.
2014
Rigell was challenged by Democrat Suzanne Patrick in the general election.
Rigell said he will focus on economic issues over social issues in the 2014 election. He stated, "I wake up every day not thinking about the social issues. I sought office because I know we can do better on job creation and I'm also concerned about our fiscal trajectory." He added, "I think as part of that we're strengthening things that are important to women and, of course, to men as well. Early childhood education, making sure that our children are safe and they have great opportunities once they get out of high school or college."
2016
Rigell announced in January 2016 that he would not run for re-election in 2016.
Tenure and political positions
Rigell took office in January 2011 as part of the largest Republican House majority since the 1940s.
In June 2012, Rigell was one of only two Republicans (along with Steven LaTourette of Ohio) who voted against a motion to hold Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress for his handling of the ATF gunwalking scandal. Billionaire Warren Buffett challenged the GOP that he would match any donations to the Treasury they give. Rigell had already been giving back 15% of his salary, and when he flagged this for Buffett, Buffett agreed to match it.
Social issues
Rigell states he is "proudly pro-life", he opposes gay marriage and opposed the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." In 2011, Rigell cosponsored bills to prohibit abortion coverage under the national Affordable Health Care law, prohibit the use of federal funds for Planned Parenthood and prohibit taxpayer funding of abortion. Rigell voted for reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. Rigell has refused to endorse Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor E.W. Jackson in light of anti-gay comments made by Jackson.