Democratic Senator Tim Kaine has secured a third term in Virginia, triumphing over Republican opponent Hung Cao during the recent elections. Kaine’s victory was anticipated by many, as he has become a familiar figure within Virginia’s political landscape.

Political analysts had highlighted that for Cao, the path to success was quite narrow, especially considering Virginia’s moderate voter base and the lingering impact of a backlash against former President Trump’s administration during the 2020 elections. Kaine’s connection with the electorate was seen as a significant advantage in his campaign.

Cao, who served for 25 years in the Navy and garnered support from Trump, faced a challenging uphill battle in a state that has veered more towards the Democratic side in recent years. The last time a Republican secured a Senate seat in Virginia was with centrist John Warner, who last achieved this in 2002.

The election results were officially announced at 11:22 p.m. EST, confirming Kaine’s win and underscoring his continued influence in the state’s political arena.