Mark Kelly’s first campaign for office was decided by a coin toss. His twin brother, Scott, also wanted to be student congress president at their suburban New Jersey high school. It was Scott who ended up vice president that time. Fast forward four decades and it could be Mark Kelly’s turn to serve as vice president of the United States.
Arizona’s junior senator, a Garden State native who was pushed into politics after personal tragedy, is being vetted as a possible second-in-command as the Democrat nominee makes a bid for the White House. Given the need for a swift vetting process, Kelly emerges as the most likely choice. His background as a representative of a border state, his military service, and his prominence in a swing state make him a strategic pick.
Kelly’s resume led Arizonans to send him from Tucson to Washington, D.C., in elections in 2020 and 2022. His credentials include Navy combat and test pilot, astronaut, gun control advocate, and husband of former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz. These qualifications, coupled with his military background and public notoriety, further bolster his suitability.
The Kelly twins captured America’s imagination in the mid-1990s as the first sibling astronauts in NASA’s shuttle program. Their journey, filled with personal and professional trials, was closely followed by the nation. The 2011 shooting that gravely injured Giffords and killed six others put Kelly’s resilience and dedication on full display as he supported her recovery.
Mark Kelly’s path from a New Jersey township to a decorated Navy captain is less well-known. Richard Kelly, his father, was an Army paratrooper and police officer, while his mother, Patricia, became the township’s first female police officer.
Politics were not a major part of Kelly’s childhood. He remained politically unaffiliated for many years, voting in a Republican primary while an astronaut in Texas. Now a Democratic senator, Kelly’s political journey reflects his adaptability and pragmatic approach.
After graduating from West Orange’s Mountain High School in 1982, Kelly attended the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Kelly’s naval career began with challenges, as he initially struggled as a pilot. His persistence and drive to improve, however, led him to become a highly skilled aviator.
As Mark Kelly stands as a potential vice-presidential candidate, his all-American story of resilience, public service, and leadership makes him a formidable figure. His unique background, personal history, and demonstrated ability to overcome challenges present a compelling case for why he is the best possible VP pick for the Democrats.
With his connections to both military and civilian communities, his experience in a crucial swing state, and his broad public recognition, Kelly embodies the qualities needed to attract a diverse voter base and challenge the GOP’s stronghold.
Kelly’s sensitivity to economic issues, particularly inflation, is another advantage. He supported measures to lower gas prices, advocated for domestic oil and gas exploration, and pushed for legislation allowing the government to negotiate prescription drug prices. His pragmatic approach to addressing high inflation resonates with many Americans struggling with rising costs.
As the vetting process accelerates, Mark Kelly’s comprehensive qualifications and wide appeal position him as the best choice for Kamala Harris’ running mate.
His background as a border state senator, military hero, and public figure with deep ties to both political and apolitical spheres makes him a candidate Republicans have reason to fear in the upcoming election. He even has the international experience that the democrats would need in a VP pick.
