Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine says he will run for reelection in 2024

Virginia political mainstay Sen. Tim Kaine said on Friday that he will once again seek re-election to the U.S. Senate in the 2024 elections. 

Kaine, who was first elected to the Senate in 2012, announced his intent to run again after meeting with local business leaders in Richmond. 

"I have been really grappling with what to do with respect to my time in the Senate, and I’m very happy to announce that I’m going to run for a third term in the Senate," Kaine said, adding: "I’m a servant. I love Virginia. I’m proud of what I’ve done."

The announcement doubtlessly comes as a relief to congressional Democrats looking to shore up any potential loose ends ahead of the 2024 season in the hopes of maintaining their tenuous grip on the upper chamber. 

The senator has previously served as mayor of Richmond, lieutenant governor of Virginia, and governor of Virginia; he also served as Hillary Clinton's running mate in her failed 2016 attempt at the presidency.