NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Tonight’s Senate debate between incumbent Democrat Tim Kaine and Republican challenger Hung Cao marks a big opportunity for both to share their views on myriad issues on a local, regional and national stage.

The debate at Norfolk State University is being held in partnership with NewsNation and WAVY-TV 10’s parent company, Nexstar and begins at 7 p.m.

Dr. Ben Melusky, an associate professor of political science at Old Dominion University, said Cao needs this debate to really get his name out there, saying it’s a chance for Cao to challenge Kaine and his role with the incumbent administration.

Cao served in the U.S. Navy for more than 20 years and was stationed in Hampton Roads for nearly a decade. Cao retired as a Navy captain. 

In a Sept. 20 interview with 10 On Your Side, Cao challenged Kaine’s role on the Armed Services Committee. 

“He hasn’t brought to them — think about it seriously, we have ships who can’t get underway, planes that can’t dive and he’s on the Armed Services Committee,” said Cao, who is endorsed by former President Donald Trump. “These are dangerous times and Tim Kaine is a weak man.”

Kaine discussed Hurricane Helene’s impact during a routine press briefing Tuesday, in which he appeared via Zoom from southwest Virginia after successfully advocating for an emergency declaration for Virginia.

During the briefing, Kaine was asked about the upcoming vice presidential and Virginia Senate debate. 

“The job of U.S. senator is to get real life results for everyday Virginians in the communities that they live and work,” Kaine said. “I’ve been doing that for my city as a city councilman and mayor. I’ve been doing it for my state as the lieutenant governor and governor. I’ve been doing it in the United States Senate.”

Kaine’s political career spans 30 years. Now he serves on several committees — Armed Services, Budget, Foreign Relations, Health, Education and Pensions committee.

Kaine believes this debate is about focusing on the successes with manufacturing, infrastructure and cuts to prescription drug costs.

“This is a debate that is fundamentally about trying to get results, and also, candidly acknowledging there is more to do,” Kaine said. “We have more to do, and the way to do that is just to keep focusing on results, not name calling, not extremism, not insults.”

A recent poll shows there is a 10-point gap between Kaine and Cao, with Kaine having maintained that lead since July.

The biggest issue for 860 Virginia voters polled is the economy, followed by housing affordability, threats to democracy and immigration. 

“The basic question is this: are you better off today then you were four years ago? If you say yes, then you are probably an illegal alien,” Cao said. “Honestly, the people that got us into this mess, Tim Kaine has been in office for 30 years.”