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Hung Cao

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Hung Cao
Official portrait, 2025
35th United States Under Secretary of the Navy
Incumbent
Assumed office
October 3, 2025
PresidentDonald Trump
SecretaryJohn Phelan
Preceded byErik Raven
Personal details
Born (1971-08-03) August 3, 1971 (age 54)
Saigon, South Vietnam
Political partyRepublican
SpouseApril Cao
Children5
EducationUnited States Naval Academy (BS)
Naval Postgraduate School (MS)
Military service
AllegianceUnited States
Branch/serviceUnited States Navy
Years of service1989–2021
RankCaptain

Hung Cao (born August 3, 1971) is an American politician and former military officer who has served as the 35th United States Under Secretary of the Navy since 2025, having served in the branch from 1989 to 2021.[1] He was a Republican candidate for U.S. Representative in Virginia's 10th congressional district in 2022, and the party's nominee for the state's 2024 U.S. Senate election.[2][3] In February 2025, President Trump nominated Cao to the position of United States Under Secretary of the Navy.[4] After being confirmed by the Senate, Cao was sworn-in on October 3, 2025.[5]

Early life and career

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Cao was born on August 3, 1971 in Saigon, South Vietnam. His father, Quan Cao, worked in South Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and was assistant to the deputy prime minister,[6] and had been an international student in the Philippines who was granted a scholarship from the Rockefeller Foundation before earning a Ph.D. at Cornell University.[7] In 1975, at age 4, Cao came with his family to the United States as refugees.[8] Cao spent some of his childhood living in Niger, where his father served as an agricultural specialist for USAID. He returned to the U.S. at age 12 and was a member of the first graduating class of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria, Virginia.[9]

Cao entered the U.S. Navy as a seaman recruit in 1989 and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1996 with a bachelor's degree in ocean engineering. In 2008,[10] he received a master's of science in applied physics at the Naval Postgraduate School.[11] A specialist in ordnance disposal and salvage diving, he led the Navy team on the USNS Grasp that recovered the bodies of John F. Kennedy Jr., his wife Carolyn Bessette, and sister-in-law Lauren Bessette after their 1999 crash off Martha's Vineyard.[12] He spent over 30 years on active duty in the Navy, retiring as a captain in October 2021. His military career encompassed operational deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia.[13][14]

Captain Hung Cao and his son at Marion Military Institute

Cao earned the Command Ashore Badge, the Navy Diving Officer Badge and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Warfare Officers Badge. Cao is a vice president of CACI, a U.S. government contractor that provides services to defense, intelligence, and homeland security agencies.[15]

Congressional elections

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2022 house bid

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Main article: 2022 United States House of Representatives elections in Virginia § District 10

Cao was a candidate in the 2022 election for Virginia's 10th district seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.[16] He cited the Biden administration's 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan as a reason he entered politics.[17] He was one of 11 candidates in the May 21 ranked-choice Republican primary. He won the election by about 2,800 votes over his nearest opponent, earning him a spot in the general election against incumbent Democrat Jennifer Wexton, who was seeking a third term.[18][16]

Cao was considered a strong candidate in a district with large populations of both Asian Americans and military families.[19] During a debate with Wexton, he expressed support for the deregulation of government across nearly all facets of life.[20] During the course of the campaign, Wexton sought to portray Hung Cao as "extreme" in comparison to the political demographics of the district, emphasizing his anti-abortion and pro-gun rights stances.[21] Cao lost the election to Wexton 53% to 47%.[22][23][24][21]

2024 Senate bid

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Main article: 2024 United States Senate election in Virginia

In July 2023, Cao declared himself a candidate in the 2024 Virginia U.S. Senate race.[25][8] He received the endorsement of former president Donald Trump.[26][27] On June 18, 2024, Cao won the Republican primary by a wide margin, receiving 61.8% of the vote in a five-candidate race.[28]

On June 24, USA Today reported that Cao had claimed in campaign appearances that "I'm 100% disabled, you know, because just from being blown up in combat many times." But he had not received either the Purple Heart or the Navy's Combat Action Ribbon, both of which would normally have been awarded to someone injured by enemy action. Cao declined the newspaper's request for clarification about his injuries.[29]

He advanced to the November 5 general election, facing incumbent senator Tim Kaine.[30] Kaine defeated Cao 54% to 45%.[31][32]

Under Secretary of the Navy

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On February 28, 2025, President Donald Trump nominated Cao to be Under Secretary of the Navy, the navy's number two position, which requires Senate confirmation.[33][34][35] On October 1, 2025, Cao was confirmed by the Senate in a 52–45 vote (with three abstaining).[36] Every Republican senator, with the exception of Lisa Murkowski, voted to confirm him, while every Democratic senator opposed his nomination, with the exception of Chuck Schumer, Kirsten Gillibrand, and Brian Schatz, who were not present.[37]

On October 3, 2025, Cao was sworn in as Under Secretary of the Navy.[38]

Personal life

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Cao and his wife April Lakata Cao have two sons and three daughters, one adopted from Thailand and a pair of twins,[39] all of whom were homeschooled by April.[40] The Caos live in Purcellville, Virginia,[39] and attend Cornerstone Chapel in Leesburg, Virginia.[41]

Military awards

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Cao's decorations, awards, and badges include:[42]

Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Bronze star
Badge Explosive Ordnance Disposal Officer
1st Row

Defense Superior Service Medal

Bronze Star Medal
2nd Row Meritorious Service Medal 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

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2022

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2022 Virginia 10th district GOP firehouse primary[43]
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[44]
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

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2024 Virginia Republican U.S. Senate Primary Results[45]
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%
United States Senate election in Virginia, 2024[46]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Tim Kaine (incumbent) 2,417,115 54.37% −2.63%
Republican Hung Cao 2,019,911 45.44% +4.43%
Write-in 8,509 0.19% +0.04%
Total votes 4,445,535 100.00% N/A
Democratic hold

References

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  1. ^ "Navy veteran Hung Cao enters GOP race to challenge Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine in 2024". AP News. July 18, 2023. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  2. ^ "2024 November General Official Results". Virginia Department of Elections. Retrieved December 16, 2024.
  3. ^ "2022 November General". Virginia Department of Election. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  4. ^ "Hung Cao nominated as Under Secretary of Navy". WUSA9. February 27, 2025. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  5. ^ "The Honorable Hung Cao – Under Secretary of the Navy". navy.mil.
  6. ^ "A Celebration of Life: Quan Cao". Dignity Memorial. Retrieved November 9, 2025.
  7. ^ Zito, Salena (July 28, 2023). "Hung Cao's next call of duty". The Washington Examiner. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  8. ^ a b Vozzella, Laura (May 26, 2024). "Five Virginia Republicans vie for a chance to challenge Sen. Tim Kaine". The Washington Post. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  9. ^ Cao, Hung (April 21, 2022). "The erosion of excellence at Thomas Jefferson High School". The Washington Post. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  10. ^ "Hung Cao's Biography". VoteSmart.org. 2021.
  11. ^ "Senate2024-Cao / Chasing Freedom - Virginia". Chasing Freedom. February 28, 2022. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  12. ^ Glebova, Diana (August 10, 2022). "How Congressional Candidate Hung Cao Salvaged John F. Kennedy Jr.'s Plane". National Review. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  13. ^ "Captain Hung Cao". Young America's Foundation. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  14. ^ "Hung Cao - 2022". Guardian Fund. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  15. ^ Valentine, Jesse (June 6, 2024). "Virginia U.S. Senate candidate Hung Cao says workplace diversity is 'Marxism'". American Journal News. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  16. ^ a b "Virginia GOP nominates Navy vet Hung Cao to challenge Rep. Jennifer Wexton". The Washington Times. May 23, 2022. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  17. ^ "Hung Cao Fires Up Packed RNC Veterans Forum in VA-10". Republican National Committee. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  18. ^ "Virginia's 10th Congressional District election, 2022 (May 21 Republican firehouse primary)". Ballotpedia. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  19. ^ Barakat, Matthew; Finley, Ben (November 9, 2022). "Trio of Virginia Democrats face tough reelection bids". The Roanoke Times. pp. A3. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  20. ^ "Wexton vs Cao: What Thursday's debate means for Loudoun County". WUSA9. October 20, 2022.
  21. ^ a b Foretek, Jared (November 9, 2022). "Jennifer Wexton tops Cao to win 10th District race". INSIDENOVA.COM.
  22. ^ "Virginia's 10th Congressional District election, 2022". Ballotpedia. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  23. ^ Astor, Maggie (November 9, 2022). "Elected to House in 2018, Most Democratic Women Are Hanging On". The New York Times. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  24. ^ "2022 November General Official Results". Virginia Department of Elections. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  25. ^ Olivo, Antonio (July 19, 2023). "Virginia Republican Hung Cao joins race to take on Sen. Tim Kaine". The Washington Post. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  26. ^ "Republican US Senate candidate in Virginia 'honored' to receive Trump endorsement". WTOP News. May 27, 2024. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  27. ^ Dodd, Cormac (June 20, 2024). "Cao cruises to GOP primary win, setting stage for November matchup against Kaine". The Winchester Star. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  28. ^ Vakil, Caroline (June 18, 2024). "Hung Cao wins Virginia Senate GOP primary". The Hill. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  29. ^ Beyer, Elizabeth; Vanden Brook, Tom (June 26, 2024). "Exclusive: VA Senate candidate says he was 'blown up' in combat. His record doesn't show that". USA Today. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  30. ^ "United States Senate election in Virginia, 2024". Ballotpedia. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
  31. ^ Finley, Ben (November 5, 2024). "Democrat Tim Kaine of Virginia fends off GOP challenger to win a 3rd term to the US Senate". AP News. Retrieved March 1, 2025.
  32. ^ "Virginia U.S. Senate Election Results". The New York Times. November 5, 2024. Retrieved March 1, 2025.
  33. ^ Pritchett, Elizabeth (February 28, 2025). "Trump appoints Paul Dabbar, Hung Cao to positions within administration". Fox News. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  34. ^ Shane III, Leo (February 28, 2025). "Trump names special ops vet Hung Cao as Navy Under Secretary". Navy Times. Retrieved March 1, 2025.
  35. ^ Gould, Joe (February 28, 2025). "Trump taps hard-liner Hung Cao for Navy No. 2 role". Politico. Retrieved March 1, 2025.
  36. ^ "PN26-10 - Nomination of Hung Cao for Department of Defense, 119th Congress (2025-2026)". Congress.gov. October 1, 2025. Retrieved October 2, 2025.
  37. ^ "U.S. Senate: U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes 119th Congress - 1st Session". Senate.gov. Retrieved October 2, 2025.
  38. ^ "Secretary Phelan Welcomes Under Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao and Launches Portfolio to Supercharge Warrior Ethos and Quality of Service Across the Navy and Marine Corps". navy.mil. October 3, 2025.
  39. ^ a b Cline, Nathaniel (May 22, 2022). "Retired veteran wins Republican nomination for 10th Congressional District race". Loudoun Times-Mirror. Retrieved February 28, 2025.
  40. ^ "Call Me An American". Republic Book Publishers. February 29, 2024. Retrieved March 1, 2025.
  41. ^ Israel, Josh (August 1, 2023). "Virginia Republican Senate Candidate Hung Cao Touts Ties to anti-LGBTQ+ Pastor". The American Independent. Retrieved August 5, 2023.
  42. ^ "Hung Cao for Congress". hungcaoforcongress.com. Archived from the original on May 23, 2022.
  43. ^ "GOP Ranked Choice Results in CD10". vpap.org. Virginia Public Access Project. May 22, 2022.
  44. ^ "2022 November General". Virginia Department of Elections. Retrieved November 11, 2022.
  45. ^ "Candidates & Referendums June 18, 2024 Primary Elections". Virginia Department of Elections. April 15, 2024.
  46. ^ "2024 November General Official Results". Virginia Department of Elections. Retrieved December 16, 2024.
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Party political offices
Preceded by Republican nominee for U.S. Senator from Virginia
(Class 1)
2024 		Most recent
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