Mark Kelly Says He Will Decide on 2028 Presidential Run After Midterms

Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona indicated on Tuesday that he will make his decision about a 2028 presidential campaign after the upcoming midterm elections. He told Axios last week that he needs to wait for the results of those races before choosing between running for president or seeking re-election to the Senate.

Kelly’s comments come after a public appearance in Maine where he campaigned for Troy Jackson, the Democratic nominee for the Senate seat. During his speech, Kelly described his background as the son of two police officers who attended public schools before becoming a Navy pilot, an astronaut, and a senator. He noted his good fortune in his career path.

As Kelly mentioned his current role as a senator, an audience member shouted the word "president." Kelly responded with the phrase "We'll see." The brief answer generated cheers from the crowd. This reaction added to the speculation surrounding his political future.

Kelly is currently up for re-election in 2028. He appears regularly in Democratic primary polls, though he often trails higher-profile candidates such as former Vice President Kamala Harris and California Governor Gavin Newsom. His national visibility increased in November 2025 when he joined other Democratic lawmakers in a video telling military personnel that it is their duty to disobey illegal orders, including those from the executive branch.

That video led to a criminal investigation involving Kelly and five other Democratic lawmakers. A federal grand jury declined to indict any of them in February. The legal process has concluded, but the attention continues to shape his political standing.

A specific provision in Arizona law provides a unique option for Kelly. The state allows presidential and vice presidential candidates to simultaneously seek one other federal office. This means Kelly could run for both the presidency and his Senate seat in 2028. While he could not hold both positions if he won both races, the rule reduces the risk of leaving his Senate seat open if he fails to secure the Democratic nomination for president.

This legal framework allows Kelly to pursue the highest office in the country without necessarily sacrificing his current position. If he secures the Democratic presidential nomination, he would appear on Arizona ballots as a candidate for both the presidency and the Senate.