Denver Riggleman

Denver Riggleman is a former American politician and businessman who served as the United States Representative for Virginia's 5th congressional district from 2019 to 2021. A member of the Republican Party, Riggleman has a diverse background that includes military service, entrepreneurship, and a brief foray into the political arena. He is known for his unique interests, including a notable engagement with the subject of Bigfoot, as well as his outspoken stance against conspiracy theories such as QAnon.

Early life and career

Denver Lee Riggleman III was born on March 17, 1970, in Manassas, Virginia. He completed his secondary education at Stonewall Jackson High School, graduating in 1988. Riggleman's academic journey continued at Rowan College at Burlington County, where he earned an Associate of Arts degree in 1996. He further pursued his education in avionics systems, obtaining an Associate of Applied Science from the Community College of the Air Force at Air University the same year. Riggleman then attended the University of Virginia, where he graduated in 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts in foreign affairs. He later enhanced his qualifications by acquiring a graduate certificate in project management from Villanova University in 2007.

Riggleman’s professional career began with a 15-year tenure in the United States Air Force. Initially serving as an enlisted avionics technician, he later received a commission and transitioned to the role of an intelligence officer. Following his military service, Riggleman founded Analytics Warehouse, LLC, a company that provided contracting services to the National Security Agency (NSA). He held the position of CEO at Analytics Warehouse from its inception in 2007 until 2015. In 2014, he and his wife established Silverback Distillery, a craft distillery located on a 50-acre property in Afton, Virginia. Riggleman has been an advocate for the distilling industry, pushing for deregulation and reform of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority, and has been involved in efforts to form a distillers guild in the state.

House tenure

Riggleman entered the political arena with his candidacy for the Republican nomination for governor of Virginia in the 2017 gubernatorial election. However, he suspended his campaign in March 2017. His political career gained momentum when he ran for the United States House of Representatives in 2018. Riggleman secured the Republican nomination for Virginia's 5th congressional district, succeeding the incumbent Tom Garrett, who chose not to seek reelection. In the general election held in November 2018, Riggleman emerged victorious against Democratic nominee Leslie Cockburn, receiving a majority of the votes.

During his time in Congress, Riggleman garnered attention for his unconventional interests and positions. Notably, he faced scrutiny during the 2018 campaign when his opponent accused him of an affinity for "Bigfoot erotica," stemming from his promotion of a humorous book related to the mythical creature. Riggleman clarified that his engagement with the subject was intended as satire and that he co-authored a self-published book on the topic. His interest in Bigfoot continued to be a part of his public persona, and he described himself as a "Bigfoot scholar," despite not believing in the creature's existence.

In 2020, Riggleman’s political career faced challenges. He officiated a same-sex wedding for two friends, which led to criticism from some members of the Republican Party, culminating in a censure by the Rappahannock County Republican Party. This censure was based on claims that he had strayed from party principles, particularly concerning fiscal and immigration policies. Riggleman’s tenure in Congress concluded when he lost his bid for reelection in the 2020 Republican primary to Bob Good, a challenger who emerged during a drive-through party convention.

Legislative focus and committees

During his time in the House of Representatives, Riggleman was involved in various legislative efforts and committees. He was a co-sponsor of a resolution condemning QAnon, a conspiracy theory movement that gained traction in the United States. Riggleman was notable for being the only Republican member of Congress to publicly denounce QAnon on the House floor. His commitment to addressing the dangers of misinformation extended beyond his congressional tenure, as he continued to work with experts at the Network Contagion Research Institute to study disinformation and its societal impacts.

Riggleman’s legislative focus included a range of issues, reflecting his background in national security and business. He was involved in discussions surrounding deregulation in the distilling industry, advocating for changes that would benefit craft distillers in Virginia. His experience as a businessman and his military background informed his approach to policy-making, as he sought to balance economic growth with responsible governance.

After leaving Congress in January 2021, Riggleman co-authored a book titled "The Breach," which detailed his experiences and insights gained while serving on the United States House Select Committee on the January 6 Attack. The book was published in October 2022, further contributing to the discourse surrounding the events of that day and the implications for American democracy.

In summary, Denver Riggleman’s career has been marked by a blend of military service, entrepreneurship, and political engagement. His tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives was characterized by a commitment to addressing contemporary issues, including misinformation and regulatory reform, while also navigating the complexities of party dynamics and public perception.