Virginia’s Hung Cao officially part of Trump administration

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginia's Hung Cao (R) is officially part of President Donald Trump's second administration following a U.S. Senate vote.

The afternoon of Wednesday, Oct. 1, federal lawmakers confirmed Trump's nomination of Cao to the role of Under Secretary of the Navy. The vote was 52 to 45.

Cao, a Vietnamese refugee who came to Virginia as a child, served in the U.S. Navy for decades. Trump cited this combat and leadership experience when he initially announced Cao's nomination on Truth Social in February:

"I am pleased to announce that Hung Cao will be our next United States Under Secretary of the Navy. Hung is the embodiment of the American Dream. As a refugee to our Great Nation, Hung worked tirelessly to make proud the Country that gave his family a home. He went to our amazing United States Naval Academy and later earned his Master’s Degree in Physics. Hung served in combat as a Special Operations Officer for twenty five years. With Hung’s experience both in combat, and in the Pentagon, he will get the job done. Congratulations to Hung, and his wonderful family!" President Donald Trump, Truth Social

Both of Virginia's state senators, Tim Kaine (D) and Mark Warner (D), voted against confirming Cao.

FROM 2024: 3 memorable moments from Virginia Senate Debate between Sen. Tim Kaine and Hung Cao

Cao challenged Kaine for his U.S. Senate seat in 2024, with Trump's endorsement behind him. Kaine ultimately defeated Cao, with voters favoring the sitting senator over his opponent by a 16% margin.