Kelly Weighs 2028 Presidential Run

Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly says he is thinking about a presidential bid and has a decision timeline he will not disclose.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Military

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Would you support Mark Kelly running for president in 2028?

Sen. Mark Kelly said he is considering running for president in 2028, speaking at Crooked Con in Washington. He said he has been discussing the decision with his family and has a timeline he declined to reveal.

Why it matters

Kelly began weighing a White House run after the Pentagon moved to demote him over a November 2025 video urging service members to refuse illegal orders. A run would raise questions about who would defend his Senate seat, which is up for reelection in 2028.

Kelly's remarks place his possible 2028 bid in the same cycle as his own Senate reelection, and the source does not say whether he will seek the presidency. He declined to reveal when he will decide, leaving the timing of any announcement unknown.

The players

Mark Kelly

Democratic U.S. senator from Arizona and former NASA astronaut who is weighing a 2028 presidential run.

Pete Hegseth

U.S. Secretary of Defense whose Pentagon moved to demote Kelly, and whom Kelly sued in January for violating his First Amendment rights.

Ruben Gallego

Democratic U.S. senator from Arizona who has also been thinking about running for president.

The details

Kelly made the comments at Crooked Con, an annual event hosted by Crooked Media, and said he has been discussing the issue with his family. He said in July he would wait until after the midterm elections to decide, and in August said he was discussing a run with his wife, former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.

November 2025: Kelly posted a video urging service members to refuse illegal orders, prompting the Pentagon move to demote him.
January 2026: Kelly sued Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, alleging violation of his First Amendment rights.
July 2026: Kelly said he would decide on a run after the midterm elections.
August 2026: Kelly said he was discussing a possible run with his wife.
November 8, 2026: Election Day, when Kelly was asked about running during results coverage.

Roadmap

Kelly's possible run grows directly out of the Pentagon's effort to demote him over the November 2025 video urging service members to refuse illegal orders. The dispute has pushed a sitting senator toward a national campaign, which could crowd the 2028 Democratic primary field.

If Kelly runs for president, Democrats would need to choose a new candidate to defend his Senate seat, which could affect Arizona voters. The episode also raises questions for service members about the limits of refusing orders they consider unlawful.

The takeaway

Kelly's possible campaign shows how a military-discipline dispute can reshape a senator's political future. Readers should watch for his decision timeline and any response from the Pentagon.