Dem
47
GOP
53
Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) would make an interesting presidential candidate in 2028. As a former Navy pilot, astronaut and current senator from a swing state, he brings a lot to the table. On top of that, he is constantly being attacked by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and is equally constantly fighting back—hard.
Unlike many 2028 pretend wannabes, including the other senator from Arizona, Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), it is not clear if Kelly is serious. The issue is not whether he would be a viable candidate. That is for certain. The issue with him is his wife, former representative Gabby Giffords, who was shot in the head by a fanatic in 2011 while campaigning. The big question is whether she could manage on her own while he is away campaigning for some of 2027 and most of 2028. Only he knows for sure, and maybe not even him.
However, there is a sign that he might be interested. He raised $25 million in Q4 2025 and Q1 2026 combined, which he certainly does not need for a 2028 run for reelection to the Senate. Arizona is one of the states where it is legal to run for the Senate and the presidency at the same time. This haul may indicate a presidential run in his future, both for the money and to show potential competitors what they would be up against if they decide to run against him.
Another thing he is doing that suggests a run is he has given $10 million to other Senate candidates and committees. If he runs, endorsements from other senators are always useful, and a senator who got reelected in part due to a large donation from Kelly might be inclined to repay the favor. He also gave $2 million to the hapless, cash-strapped DNC, which demonstrates party loyalty. He has also attended fundraisers for Democratic senatorial candidates, including Roy Cooper (NC) and Mary Peltola (AK). He is going to Ohio to help Sherrod Brown next month. All of this builds goodwill within the Party and clearly demonstrates his fundraising prowess. Presidential campaigns are expensive, and it looks like he has what it takes. Kelly will probably finish the year out with more money in the bank than any other potential presidential candidate.
Of course, if Gallego also throws his hat in the ring, it could be interesting. But there is another state where there are also likely to be two well-known contenders: California. Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) and Kamala Harris are going to do battle there as well.
As a presidential candidate, Kelly has the right stuff. There is his military career, his fundraising prowess, his burning hatred of Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth and his willingness to fight them. And, of course, he is from a swing state that is next door to another swing state (Nevada). If Gabby is well enough or has enough support to allow him to be away for a year, he would be a very formidable candidate. (V)