Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) ended speculation about his political future by announcing he will run for a third Senate term in 2024.
The 64-year-old lawmaker made his plans known while standing next to his wife, former Virginia Education Secretary Anne Holton, during an appearance Friday in Richmond.
“I’m very happy to announce that I’m going to run for a third term in the Senate,” Kaine told reporters.
“I’m a servant. I love Virginia. I’m proud of what I’ve done. I’ve got a whole lot more to do,” he added.
Prior to his announcement, reports said there was growing anxiety in the Democratic Party about the prospect of an open seat, should Kaine decide not to seek re-election for another six-year term. The Democrats lost control of the House in the 2022 midterm elections, and they maintain a tenuous hold on the Senate with the help of three independents.
Kaine boasts a long resume with roles including Virginia governor, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, and mayor of Richmond. He also served as Hillary Clinton’s running mate in her failed 2016 presidential campaign.
Virginia trended more liberal across several elections, but Republicans showed in 2021 they still have staying power with statewide victories that included the election of Governor Glenn Youngkin (R).
“Look, the success of Governor Youngkin and the statewide ticket in ’21 shows you that, hey, Virginians will vote for Republicans in statewide elections,” Kaine said, according to the Associated Press. “Nobody can take that for granted.”
Republicans argued Kaine’s Senate seat is in play next year.
“Virginians have shown they’re willing to vote Republican with the right candidate and the right political environment,” National Republican Senatorial Committee spokeswoman Maggie Abboud told Fox News. “We’re going to keep a close eye on Virginia and focus on recruiting a strong candidate who can raise the resources necessary to compete.”