Scott Rigell

Edward Scott Rigell (born May 28, 1960) is an American businessman and politician who served as the U.S. representative for Virginia's 2nd congressional district from 2011 to 2017. He declined to run for re-election in 2016, and he left office in January 2017. Rigell is the last representative from this district who did not serve in the United States Navy.

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.

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.

Prior to his election to Congress, Rigell and his former 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.

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 Virginia's 2nd congressional district.

Rigell was challenged by businessman and Democratic nominee Paul Hirschbiel.