Tim Kaine reelected to U.S. Senate, defeats Republican Hung Cao in Virginia
Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, a Democrat, won reelection Tuesday against Republican challenger Hung Cao. The win marks Kaine's third term in the U.S. Senate, reaffirming his position as a prominent figure in Virginia politics.
Kaine has been a member of the Senate since 2013, previously served as the governor of Virginia from 2006 to 2010 and was Hillary Clinton's Vice Presidential running mate in 2016. His political career began in 1994 when he was elected to the Richmond City Council, followed by his election as the city’s mayor.
Hung Cao is a U.S. Navy Veteran, where he served from 1989 until 2021. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, he also earned a graduate degree from the Naval Postgraduate School in 2008.
Despite a competitive race, Kaine was favored to win in a state that has leaned Democratic in recent years.
Candidates clashed over immigration, trade, and economic policies
In October, the two candidates faced off in a heated debate, tackling critical issues such as illegal immigration and tariffs on foreign goods.
Kaine emphasized his economic agenda, advocating for expanded infrastructure and manufacturing in Virginia. He also supports tax cuts for low- and middle-income families, as well as for veterans and military families.
On the other hand, Cao focused his campaign on protecting American jobs from unfair foreign trade practices, addressing medication shortages, and advocating for stricter border security. During the debate, he stated, “If you came here illegally, you’ve basically screwed up the whole system. You can’t expect the American dream if you’re not willing to obey the laws and embrace the culture.”
Jeremy Yurow is a politics reporting fellow based in Hawaii for the Paste BN Network. You can reach him at JYurow@gannett.com or on X, formerly Twitter @JeremyYurow