Kaine led Cao 52.7%-47.3% when the Associated Press called the contest at 11:22 p.m. ET, with about 77% of the ballots counted.

Republicans had sought to tip the once-purple state back into the battleground column in the era of Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-VA), but the Senate contest’s results laid bare that the Old Dominion State is likely to remain out of reach for the GOP in federal elections.

Kaine is Hillary Clinton’s former vice presidential running mate and has held the seat since 2013. He was previously Richmond mayor, lieutenant governor, and governor. On the campaign trail, he relied upon his decades in elected office and widespread name recognition.

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Cao is a 25-year Navy veteran supported by former President Donald Trump who often cited similar talking points and policy concerns as the GOP presidential nominee, including illegal immigration.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.