Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., formally launches reelection bid at Richmond rally
Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., formally launched his 2024 reelection campaign for the U.S. Senate on Tuesday at a rally in Richmond, his hometown. Kaine, a resident of the city since 1984, was joined by a number of local and state officials who spoke about his record and contributions on Capitol Hill.
The longtime lawmaker said he hoped to continue making advances on the Reproductive Freedom For All Act, which he said would "restore the right to abortion nationally." He also spoke out about the conflict between Israel and Hamas, calling it "heartbreaking" and stressing the need for humanitarian aid in Gaza.
Seven Republicans will compete in a June 18 primary to take on Kaine, who easily won reelection in 2018 by beating Republican Corey Stewart 57% to 41%. Among the speakers at the rally was former national Teacher of the Year Rodney Robinson, who praised Kaine's work on early childhood education.
Kaine, who was Hillary Clinton's vice presidential running mate in 2016, told supporters he wanted to help support Democratic candidates in Virginia's competitive House races if he remained the front-runner for Senate. The rally was interrupted by protesters three times who spoke out about the conflict between Israel and Hamas, with Kaine responding that "Israel has a complete right to defend itself against those who would annihilate it."
He concluded his remarks by saying that "we need leaders who will stand up and stand together because we live in a time where there are too many who want to tear us down and tear us apart."
Title: Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., formally launches reelection bid at Richmond rally
Content: In a speech that invoked his roots in Richmond and his career trajectory from city council to vice presidential candidate, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., formally launched his campaign for a third term in the U.S. Senate on Tuesday.
Kaine, who was first elected to the Senate in 2012 and easily won reelection in 2018, stressed his credentials as a relentless empathizer and collaborator. "I know you after 30 years," he said to his supporters, invoking his history of knocking on Richmond-area doors during his first political campaign three decades ago.
"I've listened to you in your homes, your businesses, in your churches, in your schools and in your communities," Kaine said. He highlighted his work on the Affordable Care Act and the Inflation Reduction Act and hopes to continue making advances on the Reproductive Freedom For All Act, which would "restore the right to abortion nationally," as Kaine put it.
On the other hand, he acknowledged that Virginia is a "battleground state" and that the seven Republican candidates seeking to challenge him are largely in lockstep with former President Donald Trump, whom he and other speakers at the rally criticized for his role in the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol and attempts to restrict voting access.
Kaine also spoke out about the conflict between Israel and Hamas, calling it "heartbreaking" and stressing the need for humanitarian aid in Gaza.
"What we need is leaders who will stand up and stand together because we live in a time where there are too many who want to tear us down and tear us apart," Kaine said in conclusion.
Following the formal launch of his 2024 campaign, Kaine is expected to continue his "Standing Up For Virginia Tour" around the state.