Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, a Democrat, is facing renewed scrutiny from some activist groups as Vice President Kamala Harris reportedly considers him as a potential running mate, according to a report by 12 News on February 16, 2026. The discussions arrive as national Democrats reassess President Biden’s reelection prospects.
Kelly, who assumed office in December 2020, is currently serving his first term after defeating Martha McSally. He was re-elected on November 8, 2022 and his current term is set to end on January 3, 2029, according to Ballotpedia. Prior to entering politics, Kelly served as a Navy combat pilot and later as a NASA astronaut, a background he shares with his identical twin brother, Scott Kelly.
The Arizona Republic reported in July 2024 that Kelly has publicly urged support for the Biden-Harris ticket, stating, “The goal here is to reelect President Biden.” However, some activists are voicing concerns about his record, as highlighted by 12 News. These criticisms are surfacing as Harris narrows down potential running mates, with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro also reportedly under consideration.
Kelly’s wife, former U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords, survived an assassination attempt in 2011, an event that significantly impacted his life and led to his retirement from both the Navy and NASA that October, as detailed in a Wikipedia entry.
Born on February 21, 1964, in West Orange, New Jersey, Kelly is 60 years old. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Merchant Marine Academy and a Master of Science degree from the Naval Postgraduate School. He flew combat missions during the Gulf War and subsequently became a NASA Space Shuttle pilot in 1996, participating in four missions including STS-108, STS-121, STS-124, and STS-134, the final mission of Space Shuttle Endeavour.
As of February 17, 2026, Senator Kelly has not commented publicly on the speculation regarding his potential nomination as Vice President. The White House has not released a timeline for announcing a running mate.
