In a rather unconventional bid for the Republican nomination to challenge Senator Tim Kaine, retired Navy veteran Hung Cao has raised eyebrows by suggesting that his campaign is, in part, aimed at preventing witches from taking control of the state of Virginia. Cao, who previously ran for a U.S. House seat in a closely contested race, launched his Senate campaign, citing concerns about the direction of the country and the need to resist those who seek to exert control over citizens’ lives and families.
During an interview with far-right pastor Sean Feucht, Cao, an anti-abortion and pro-gun advocate, emphasized his Christian faith and the importance of mobilizing conservative Christian voters. He expressed a specific concern about the rise of witchcraft and Wiccan communities, drawing a comparison to a location in California where the original Christian reference was removed from its name, signaling a purported takeover by witches.
While Senator Tim Kaine, a Democrat, remains the favorite for re-election, some Republicans believe that the 2024 Virginia Senate race could be competitive, partially inspired by Governor Glenn Youngkin’s victory in 2021. If Hung Cao were to secure the Republican nomination and win the Senate race, he would become the first Vietnamese-American elected to the U.S. Senate, though there seems to be some ambiguity regarding his racial identity, as he described himself as “African-American” due to his upbringing in Africa during his conversation with Feucht.
As the political landscape in Virginia continues to evolve, Cao’s unorthodox campaign rhetoric raises questions about the direction of political discourse and the influence of fringe beliefs in mainstream politics.
Virginia Republican Senate Hopeful Expresses Concerns About Witchcraft and Religious Identity
In a bid to secure the Republican nomination for the Virginia Senate race against incumbent Senator Tim Kaine, retired Navy veteran Hung Cao has drawn attention with his unusual campaign focus. Cao, who previously contested a U.S. House seat, has suggested that one of his motivations for running is to prevent witches from gaining control of the state. Despite Senator Kaine’s current favorability in the race, the Republican Party sees potential for competition following Governor Glenn Youngkin’s 2021 victory.
Cao’s campaign announcement video emphasizes his anti-abortion and pro-gun stance, presenting it as a response to those who seek to exert control over the lives and families of citizens. During a recent interview with far-right pastor Sean Feucht, Cao discussed his Christian faith and voiced concerns about the spread of witchcraft, particularly in certain California communities.
The candidate’s unique perspective on race has also come into question, as he referred to himself as “African-American” due to his upbringing in Africa during his conversation with Feucht. While Cao’s campaign may stand out for its unusual rhetoric, it underscores the evolving landscape of Virginia politics and the intersection of fringe beliefs with mainstream political discourse.