Photo by Gage Skidmore, Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0
By Reagan Priest | Arizona Capitol Times
U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly is being floated as a candidate for vice president now that President Joe Biden has stepped aside, but his nomination could have a major impact on elections in Arizona in the coming years.
While an Arizonan on the presidential ticket could be energizing for voters in the state, it could mean another Senate race – the state’s sixth in as many election cycles.
Kelly could stay in the seat while running for vice president, but if the hypothetical Harris-Kelly ticket won in November, Gov. Katie Hobbs would be tasked with appointing his successor until a special election could be held in 2026. Then, candidates would have to compete for a full term in the seat in 2028.
Kelly and his wife, former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords, have already endorsed Harris, but haven’t commented further. A spokesperson for his campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
“[Harris] has my support for the nomination, and Gabby and I will do everything we can to elect her President of the United States,” Kelly said in a post on X.
Hobbs released a statement Monday pledging her support for Harris. Her press secretary Liliana Soto said the governor’s office will not be commenting further on Biden leaving the race or speculation related to vice presidential candidates.
