Virginia Senate Debate Erupts Over LGBTQ+ Military Inclusion

Republican candidate Hung Cao faces backlash for comments on diversity efforts in the military during a debate with incumbent Tim Kaine.

Hung Cao, a Republican candidate and retired Navy captain, criticized diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts in the military, focusing on LGBTQ+ recruitment.
Cao's remarks about needing 'alpha males and females' in the military drew condemnation from LGBTQ+ advocates and military leaders.
Senator Tim Kaine defended the contributions of LGBTQ+ service members and emphasized the need to reach diverse groups for military recruitment.
The debate also covered contentious issues like immigration, abortion, and education, with both candidates accusing each other of extremism.
Polls show Kaine leading Cao by a significant margin, with the race rated as 'solid Democrat' by political analysts.