Mark Kelly

Mark Kelly is a retired U.S. Navy captain, former NASA astronaut, and the junior United States Senator from Arizona. A member of the Democratic Party, Kelly was first elected to the Senate in a 2020 special election to fill the seat previously held by John McCain, and he was sworn in on December 2, 2020. He was subsequently re-elected to a full six-year term in 2022. Born in Orange, New Jersey, Kelly earned a Bachelor of Science from the United States Merchant Marine Academy and a Master of Science in aeronautical engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School. Before entering politics, Kelly had a distinguished career in the military and space exploration. As a naval aviator, he flew 39 combat missions during the Gulf War. In 1996, he was selected as a NASA astronaut alongside his twin brother, Scott Kelly. He flew four missions to the International Space Station, eventually commanding the final flight of the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 2011. Following the attempted assassination of his wife, former Representative Gabrielle Giffords, in 2011, Kelly became a prominent advocate for gun safety and co-founded the organization Giffords. In the Senate, Kelly's legislative work often focuses on Arizona’s specific needs, including addressing the state's water shortages and promoting its semiconductor industry. He was a key negotiator for the CHIPS and Science Act, which aimed to revitalize domestic microchip manufacturing. Kelly serves on several committees, including the Armed Services Committee and the Environment and Public Works Committee, where he works on issues ranging from veterans' affairs to infrastructure and environmental protection.

Senator Kelly supports expanding the Affordable Care Act and has championed legislation to lower prescription drug costs. On immigration, he advocates for a approach that includes increased border security technology, more agents, and physical barriers where effective, while also supporting a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers. He is a strong proponent of the CHIPS and Science Act to boost the domestic economy and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains. Regarding the environment, Kelly focuses on drought resilience and clean energy investment but has stated he does not support the Green New Deal. He is also a vocal supporter of universal background checks and other gun safety measures.