Senator Mark Kelly: A Key Player for Democrats in the 2024 Election

As Vice President Kamala Harris navigates the political landscape following President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 race, Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) is emerging as a potential running mate. His experience and engagement with border issues could help address one of Harris's significant vulnerabilities: the administration's handling of the ongoing border crisis. Recently, the House condemned Harris for her role as the "border czar," citing the administration's failure to secure the southern border amid record-high illegal immigration. Senator Kelly has been vocal about the Biden administration's border policies, particularly during his 2022 Senate campaign. He has criticized certain decisions that he believes have not benefited Arizona, while also supporting Biden's asylum restrictions introduced in June, which have reportedly led to a decrease in illegal crossings. Yavapai County Sheriff David Rhodes noted Kelly's active engagement with local law enforcement on border issues, emphasizing his influence in Washington and Arizona. With Biden's endorsement of Harris, the vice president has yet to address the border crisis publicly, putting her immigration policy role under scrutiny. Kelly expressed confidence that under a Harris presidency, there would be renewed efforts to pass immigration legislation without obstruction from former President Trump’s allies in the Senate. Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), who is vying for Arizona's other Senate seat, endorsed Kelly as a strong addition to the Democratic ticket, highlighting his background as a border state senator and his personal story as an astronaut married to Gabby Giffords. Republican strategist Barrett Marson acknowledged Kelly's potential to articulate border issues effectively, though he questioned whether Kelly has taken a hardline stance on immigration.