Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine cruised to re-election for a third term representing Virginia, the Associated Press projected. With 77% of the vote counted, Kaine had 53% of the vote, compared to 47% for Republican challenger Hung Cao.

Democratic U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia is vying for a third term against a GOP challenger who is trying to become the first Republican in the state since 2002 to win a seat to the upper chamber. Hung Cao broke through to win a crowded Republican primary and face off against Kaine, who won reelection in 2018 by 16 percentage points.

A popular former governor, Kaine has consistently led Cao, a retired Navy captain, in public polls and fundraising.