Arizona Senator Mark Kelly recently addressed concerns about the potential vulnerability of his Senate seat should he be chosen as Vice President Kamala Harris's running mate. Kelly expressed confidence in the Democratic Party's ability to secure victories in statewide races in Arizona, highlighting their strong track record in the state.
Kelly emphasized the historical success of Democrats in Arizona, stating, 'Democrats have been really good about winning statewide races in the state of Arizona.' He praised the party's organizational strength and expressed optimism about their future prospects in the state.
Regarding the possibility of a special election in 2026 if Harris selected him as her running mate, Kelly downplayed concerns about the seat flipping red, stating, 'No, I don’t think it’ll be an issue. I think we’ve got a great slate of other Democrats, but this is not about me.'
If Harris were to choose Kelly and win, a special election would be triggered in Arizona in 2026, potentially leaving Democrats with a vulnerable Senate seat. Arizona Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs would have the authority to appoint a replacement until the special election.
Kelly is reportedly on the shortlist of potential running mates for Harris, with supporters in Arizona expressing hope that she selects him. They believe Kelly's background and appeal could help Democrats secure the battleground state in future elections.