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Hung Cao
Cao in 2022
Personal details
Born (1971-08-03) August 3, 1971 (age 52)
Saigon, South Vietnam
Political partyRepublican
SpouseApril Lakata Cao
Children5
Residence(s)Purcellville,Virginia
Education
Websitewww.hungforva.com
Military service
Allegiance United States
Branch/service United States Navy
Years of service1996–2021
Rank Captain
Battles/wars

Hung Cao (born August 3, 1971) is a Vietnamese-born American retired Navy captain and politician. He was the Republican nominee in the 2022 election to represent Virginia's 10th congressional district.[1] Cao is currently a candidate in the upcoming 2024 United States Senate election in Virginia.[2][3] After having won the Republican primary, he will challenge incumbent U.S. Senator Tim Kaine in the general election in November.[4]

Early life and education[edit]

Cao was born in Vietnam[5] and came to the United States as a refugee in 1975,[6] immigrating with his family to Reston, Virginia, after the Fall of Saigon that year.[7] After moving to West Africa for seven years,[6] Cao moved back to the United States with his mother and sisters when he was twelve.[7][6] He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in 1989 and received a B.S. in Ocean Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1996. In 2008, he received an M.S. in Applied Physics from the Naval Postgraduate School.[8]

Military and professional experience[edit]

Following graduation from the Naval Academy in 1996, Cao served 25 years as a naval officer.[5] Trained in the Navy's Special Operations program, he salvaged planes and ships around the world from 1997 to 2013.[9][10] As operations officer on the USS Grasp, he oversaw the naval recovery operation following the John F. Kennedy Jr. plane crash and dove to rig up the plane for retrieval.[9] He made multiple deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia defusing bombs and conducting special operations missions.[9][3] During the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan, Cao deployed as a part of a humanitarian mission. As a Navy commander, he commanded the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center from 2013 to 2016.[10][11] He was promoted to captain in 2018.[10] Before his retirement in 2021, he worked at the budget programming division of the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations and as a division chief at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency. He has since become an executive at CACI International.[12]

Political career[edit]

Cao's first political campaign was his campaign in the 2022 United States House of Representatives elections in Virginia for Virginia's 10th congressional district.[5] In the Republican primary election, which took place on May 21, 2022,[5] and used a ranked choice system, he defeated ten other candidates and won roughly 52% of the vote in the ninth round.[13] He defeated Prince William Supervisor Jeanine Lawson by a margin of 52.3% to 33.8%.[14][6] He faced incumbent Democrat Jennifer Wexton in the general election on November 8, 2022, and lost to her, 47% to 53%.[5][15]

In 2023, Cao began a campaign for the 2024 United States Senate election in Virginia to challenge incumbent Senator Tim Kaine.[3] In the runup to the Republican primary election, Cao was the leading fundraiser in a field of five candidates,[16] and he received the endorsement of former president Donald Trump in May 2024.[17] When campaigning, Cao has drawn on his experience as an immigrant,[18] stating in an interview that "refugees like [me] are proof that freedom and independence are a fragile thread because I think Americans will never know how exiles feel when they have to living in a foreign land."[18][a]

Cao opposes abortion and supported the overturn of Roe v. Wade.[5] He opposes gun control[5][3] and affirmative action in university admissions.[3] More controversially, Cao has claimed that Wiccans have taken over parts of the country. Cao stated that Monterey, California, is "a very dark place now, a lot of witchcraft, and the Wiccan community has really taken over there," adding that "we can't let that happen in Virginia".[19] During the campaign, Cao blamed U. S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg for the partial collapse of the Maryland's Francis Scott Key Bridge after it was struck by a container ship, claiming that Buttigieg "spends more time talking about racial equity with regard to highways and about climate change than about focusing on the fundamentals of keeping our country and our infrastructure working."[20]

In February 2023, Cao had announced the formation of a PAC called Unleash America, with the PAC's goal being "to get Republicans elected" in the House of Delegates elections and State Senate elections in 2023. However, in April 2024, the Staunton-based publication The News Leader published an article claiming that none of the $103,489 raised by the PAC was spent on state house or state senate elections, but were instead spent on Cao's Senate bid.[21] Cao would respond by denouncing the article as a "hit job" by a "podunk local newspaper" that he claimed was run by "left-wing hacks."[22] In a virtual town hall hosted by the Fauquier County Republican Committee, Cao would also say that it would be "ridonkulous" and "crazy" for him to “drive six and a half hours down to Abingdon or something like that and to stand there with four other dudes and to have 30 seconds to answer questions." His comments have drawn backlash and accusations of being dismissive to rural portions of the commonwealth.[23]

He won the Republican primary on 18 June 2024, defeating four other candidates with over 60% of the vote.[4] Cao and his wife have coauthored a biographical and political book, Call Me An American, to be published in July 2024 with a foreword by Oliver North.[24]

Philanthropic work[edit]

Along with other fellow veterans, Cao founded Audible Eggs,[25] an organization that builds beeping Easter eggs for visually-impaired children.[26]

Personal life[edit]

Cao and his wife April Lakata Cao have two sons and three daughters, one adopted from Thailand and a pair of twins,[18][24][27] all of whom were homeschooled by April.[24] The Caos live in Purcellville, Virginia,[27] and attend Cornerstone Chapel in Leesburg, Virginia.[28]

Military awards[edit]

Cao's decorations, awards, and badges include, among others:[29]

Gold star
Gold star
Gold star
Gold star
Gold star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Badge Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer
1st Row Bronze Star Medal
2nd Row Meritorious Service Medal (United States) Joint Service Commendation Medal Navy Commendation Medal with two gold stars
3rd Row Army Commendation Medal Navy Achievement Medal with three gold stars Joint Meritorious Unit Award
4th Row Navy Unit Commendation ribbon Coast Guard Unit Commendation with silver O Meritorious Unit Commendation ribbon
5th Row Navy E Ribbon with two silver E's National Defense Service Medal with one bronze star Iraq Campaign Medal with three bronze stars
6th Row Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Humanitarian Service Medal
7th Row Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with four bronze stars Navy Overseas Service Ribbon
8th Row NATO Medal Navy Marksmanship Rifle Medal with silver E Navy Marksmanship Pistol Medal with silver E
Badge Master Diver Officer (United States Navy)

Electoral history[edit]

2022 Virginia 10th district GOP firehouse primary[30]
Candidate Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Round 4 Round 5 Round 6 Round 7 Round 8 Round 9
Votes % Votes % Votes % Votes % Votes % Votes % Votes % Votes % Votes %
Hung Cao 6,363 42% 6,379 42.1% 6,393 42.2% 6,471 42.8% 6,562 43.5% 6,672 44.4% 6,998 46.6% 7,238 48.7% 7,729 52.3%
Jeanine Lawson 4,373 28.9% 4,382 30% 4,390 29% 4,433 29.3% 4,503 29.8% 4,564 30.4% 4,693 31.2% 4,800 32.3% 5,000 33.8%
Brandon Michon 1,538 10.2% 1,551 10.2% 1,555 10.3% 1,588 10.5% 1,612 10.7% 1,614 10.7% 1,733 11.5% 1,854 12.5% 2,052 13.9%
Mike Clancy 719 4.7% 721 4.8% 724 4.8% 739 4.9% 764 5.1% 794 6.3% 876 5.8% 979 6.6% Eliminated
Caleb Max 621 4.1% 623 4.1% 627 4.1% 646 4.3% 678 4.5% 707 4.7% 727 4.8% Eliminated
John Henley 612 4% 614 4.1% 619 4.1% 628 4.2% 641 4.2% 676 4.5% Eliminated
Dave Beckwith 308 2% 308 2% 312 2.1% 328 2.2% 333 2.2% Eliminated
Theresa Ellis 259 1.7% 262 1.7% 276 1.8% 285 1.9% Eliminated
John Beatty 232 1.5% 232 1.5% 237 1.6% Eliminated
Jeff Mayhugh 64 0.4% 66 0.4% Eliminated
Brooke Taylor 56 0.4% Eliminated
2022 Virginia's 10th Congressional District election[31]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Jennifer Wexton (incumbent) 157,405 53.15% -3.35%
Republican Hung Cao 138,163 46.65% +3.25%
Write-in 577 0.19% +.09%
Total votes 296,145
Democratic hold
2024 Virginia Republican U.S. Senate Primary Results[32]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Hung Cao 166,737 61.7%
Republican Scott Parkinson 29,623 11.0%
Republican Eddie Garcia 27,403 10.1%
Republican Chuck Smith 23,603 8.7%
Republican Jonathan Emord 22,909 8.5%
Total votes 270,275 100.0%

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ Machine translation of: Những người tị nạn như chúng ta là minh chứng cho việc sự tự do và độc lập là sợi dây mỏng manh vì tôi nghĩ người Mỹ chắc không bao giờ biết rằng những người tha hương cảm thấy ra sao khi phải sống nơi đất khách.[18]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "2022 November General". results.elections.virginia.gov. Retrieved 2023-07-19.
  2. ^ "Navy veteran Hung Cao enters GOP race to challenge Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine in 2024". AP News. 2023-07-18. Retrieved 2023-07-19.
  3. ^ a b c d e Iyer, Kaanita (July 18, 2023). "Republican Navy veteran Hung Cao launches challenge to Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine". CNN. Retrieved 2023-07-25.
  4. ^ a b Caroline Vakil. "Hung Cao wins Virginia Senate GOP primary," The Hill. 18 June 2024. Retrieved 18 June 2024.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g Flynn, Megan (May 22, 2022). "He beat the best-funded GOP candidate in Virginia's 10th. Meet Hung Cao". The Washington Post. Retrieved July 25, 2023.
  6. ^ a b c d Zito, Salena (July 28, 2023). "Hung Cao's next call of duty". Washington Examiner. Retrieved August 5, 2023.
  7. ^ a b Cao, Hung (April 21, 2022). "Opinion | The erosion of excellence at Thomas Jefferson High School". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2023-07-25.
  8. ^ "Hung Cao" author showcase at Republic Book Publishers website. Retrieved 15 June 2024.
  9. ^ a b c Glebova, Diana (10 August 2022). "Congressional Candidate Hung Cao Salvaged John F. Kennedy Jr.!s Plane". National Review. Retrieved 2023-07-25.
  10. ^ a b c Trần Anh (9 May 2017). "Hải Quân Trung Tá Cao Hùng được đề cử thăng cấp Đại Tá". Saigon Broadcasting Television Network. Retrieved 2023-07-25.
  11. ^ Breaux, Collin (17 June 2016). "Sir, it's time': Command changes hands at Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center". Panama City News Herald. Retrieved 2023-07-25.
  12. ^ "Republican Primary winner Hung Cao to go up against Sen. Kaine". Annandale Today. 19 June 2024. Retrieved 15 June 2024.
  13. ^ "GOP Ranked Choice Results in CD10". Virginia Public Access Project. May 22, 2022.
  14. ^ "Virginia's 10th Congressional District election, 2022 (May 21 Republican firehouse primary)". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 2023-07-19.
  15. ^ Mirshahi, Dean (8 November 2022). "Democrat Jennifer Wexton wins Virginia's 10th Congressional District race". WRIC-TV. Retrieved July 25, 2023.
  16. ^ Julie Carey. "5 Republicans face off Tuesday to earn the nomination against Va. Sen. Tim Kaine. Here are the candidates." NBC News4. 14 June 2024. Retrieved 15 June 2024.
  17. ^ Nick Iannelli. "Republican US Senate candidate in Virginia ‘honored’ to receive Trump endorsement." WTOP News. 27 May 2024. Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  18. ^ a b c d Trà Nhiên (2 May 2022). "Hùng Cao, ứng cử viên Dân Biểu Hoa Kỳ, thăm nhật báo Người Việt". Người Việt (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 15 June 2024.
  19. ^ Metzger, Bryan. "GOP Senate candidate Hung Cao warns of 'witchcraft' happening in California: 'We can't let that happen in Virginia'". Business Insider. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  20. ^ Valentine, Jesse (2024-03-29). "GOP Senate candidate Hung Cao blames racial equity for Baltimore bridge tragedy". American Journal News. Retrieved 2024-05-27.
  21. ^ Beyer, Elizabeth (April 15, 2024). "Unleash America was supposed to be about supporting Va. candidates. But the money didn't go there". NewsLeader.com. Retrieved May 28, 2024.
  22. ^ Beyer, Elizabeth (May 9, 2024). "Candidate for U.S. Senate in Virginia responds to super PAC allegations, misuse of funds". NewsLeader.com. Retrieved May 28, 2024.
  23. ^ Schmidt, Markus (May 23, 2024). "GOP U.S. Senate candidate from NoVa doubles down on 'podunk' comments, says driving to Abingdon for debate is 'just ridonkulous'". CardinalNews.org. Retrieved May 28, 2024.
  24. ^ a b c "Call Me An American" book description at Republic Book Publishers website. Retrieved 15 June 2024.
  25. ^ Starr, Barbara. "Audible Eggs". CNN.
  26. ^ Hinchcliffe, Michael (Apr 27, 2011). "RIVRON 1 supports Easter egg hunt for visually impaired children".
  27. ^ a b Nathaniel Cline. "Retired veteran wins Republican nomination for 10th Congressional District race." Loudoun Times-Mirror. 22 May 2022. Retrieved 25 September 2022.
  28. ^ Israel, Josh (August 1, 2023). "Virginia Republican Senate Candidate Hung Cao Touts Ties to anti-LGBTQ+ Pastor". The American Independent. Retrieved August 5, 2023.
  29. ^ "Hung Cao for Congress". hungcaoforcongress.com. Archived from the original on May 23, 2022.
  30. ^ "GOP Ranked Choice Results in CD10". vpap.org. Virginia Public Access Project. May 22, 2022.
  31. ^ "2022 November General". Results.elections.virginia.gov. Retrieved 2022-11-11.
  32. ^ "Candidates & Referendums June 18, 2024 Primary Elections". elections.Virginia.Gov. April 15, 2024.
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