Vice President Kamala Harris is considering Arizona Senator Mark Kelly as her running mate, a decision that could significantly impact the Democrats' strategy and Senate prospects.
Newsweek reported that some members within the Democratic Party are concerned about a possible U.S. Senate race if Kamala Harris chooses Mark Kelly as her vice president.
President Biden announced his withdrawal from the race and endorsed Harris, ending weeks of internal party debates about his candidacy following a contentious debate with former President Donald Trump. Harris, now the presumed nominee, is evaluating potential vice presidential picks, including Senator Kelly. Kelly's popularity in a critical swing state in Arizona adds to his appeal as a running mate.
Choosing Kelly as her running mate could create challenges for the Democrats, particularly concerning the Senate seat he would vacate. Democratic leaders worry that Kelly's departure could make the 2026 Senate race more competitive. Governor Katie Hobbs would appoint a temporary replacement, but the long-term implications remain uncertain.
The national political environment in 2026 could influence the electoral strength of Kelly's successor. Democrats are considering the potential risks and benefits of selecting Kelly. Other potential vice-presidential candidates include Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Arizona has seen continuous Senate races since 2016, with Democrats winning since 2018. In 2016, Republican Senator John McCain won re-election by about 13 points, followed by Democratic Representative Kyrsten Sinema's victory in 2018 by approximately 2.4 points. Kelly secured his Senate seat in 2020 with a 2.4-point margin and won re-election in 2022 by nearly five points.
This year, Democratic Representative Ruben Gallego is leading against Republican Kari Lake for the seat being vacated by Sinema, who switched her registration to independent. Polls suggest a competitive race, reflective of Arizona's battleground status. Kelly's potential vice-presidential nomination adds another layer of complexity to the state's political landscape.
Senator Brian Schatz emphasized the importance of strategic calculations in Harris's decision-making process. He noted the trade-offs involved in any vice presidential pick, stressing that Harris must choose a partner she is comfortable with. Senator Peter Welch echoed this sentiment, highlighting the primacy of winning the presidency over individual Senate seats.
Elijah Manley, an activist and former Democratic candidate, expressed concerns about the potential loss of Kelly's Senate seat. He warned that selecting Kelly could jeopardize the Democrats' chances of maintaining the Senate majority. Kelly addressed these concerns, expressing confidence in the Democrats' ability to win Senate races.
This is a calculation that the vice president and her team have to make. And that's certainly a factor. But there are trade-offs no matter who you pick. So we've just got to, I think, first and foremost, she's got to decide who she's comfortable being a partner with.
The Democrats' strategy for the upcoming election is multifaceted, considering both the presidential and Senate races. Harris's choice of running mate will significantly influence the party's prospects. The selection of Kelly would underscore the importance of Arizona as a battleground state but also raise concerns about the Senate seat's future.
Other potential vice-presidential candidates offer various strengths and regional influences. Each has unique attributes that could complement Harris's campaign. The decision will ultimately reflect the party's broader electoral strategy and priorities.
President Biden's endorsement of Harris marks a pivotal moment for the Democratic Party. Harris's consideration of Senator Kelly as her running mate underscores the strategic calculations involved in the upcoming election. The potential implications for the Senate highlight the complexity of electoral strategies. Arizona's political landscape, historical election outcomes, and current races play a critical role in these considerations. Ultimately, Harris's decision will shape the Democrats' approach to presidential and Senate races.
