The Virginia Democrat’s announcement puts an end to lingering questions within his own party about whether he’d seek reelection. Kaine was coy in the lead-up to Friday, only telling reporters that he was taking the necessary steps to prepare and raising money. He currently has $3.9 million in cash on hand.

And his move is an undeniable boost for Democrats. While it’s been more than a decade since a Republican held a Virginia Senate seat, Kaine’s decision prevents his party from a crowded open primary in a state with a Republican governor. Kaine won his 2018 reelection against Corey Stewart, a conservative Republican, by 16 points.

Kaine told reporters that he made his decision last week, and told most of his staff Thursday evening. He added that his Senate colleagues, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, gave him space as he mulled his political future. His wife, former Virginia Education Secretary Anne Holton, said Friday that “unlike some other folks in politics, he does have other things he loves to do, so it wasn’t about push as it was pull to other things.”

The Virginia Democrat said he expects a tough race, describing his state as still a battleground. Republicans say they’re keeping close tabs, and many see GOP Gov. Glenn Youngkin as their top pick to take on Kaine. Youngkin also could run for president in 2024.

Meanwhile, a source close to Hung Cao, a strong fundraiser who lost more narrowly than expected to Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-Va.) in 2022, said he is considering a potential Senate run.

“Virginians have shown they’re willing to vote Republican with the right candidate and the right political environment,” said Maggie Abboud, a spokesperson for the GOP Senate campaign arm. “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.”

When asked about a potential challenge from Youngkin, Kaine noted that previous Virginia chief executives have not left the governor’s mansion early, given the state’s term limits.

“To run for president, that would be one thing,” Kaine said. “But people don’t leave early for other opportunities ... I assume anybody could run against me, because it’s an honor to represent Virginia in the Senate, but I don’t want to put words in his mouth.”

Ahead of his announcement, Kaine hosted a round table with young Richmond advocates and members of the business community to discuss the upcoming Congress, alongside Holton. Among the topics discussed were changes to the immigration system, housing affordability, teacher shortages and student loans.

Kaine, first elected to the Senate in 2012, has a long history in Democratic politics. In addition to being the 2016 vice presidential nominee, he was mayor of Richmond, governor of Virginia and chair of the Democratic National Committee. He’s recently been open about a long Covid diagnosis, which he’s described as non-debilitating.

The Virginia Democrat is well-liked on both sides of the aisle. He’s worked closely with Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), with whom he introduced bipartisan legislation last year to protect abortion rights. A member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees, he has also made limiting presidential war powers a key focus during his Senate tenure. Kaine said Friday that addressing immigration remained a top priority.