Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly sparked confusion in the Democratic Party’s vice presidential selection process after posting and quickly deleting a tweet that hinted he might no longer be in the running to become Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate.
The New York Post reported that Kelly's sudden tweet which was quickly deleted indicated that he had been passed over for Harris's VP position. However, with Harris picking Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her VP, some speculate that Kelly wasn't on the same page with the White House.
On Saturday, Kelly posted a message on social media, which he swiftly deleted, causing a stir within the Democratic Party.
The deleted post emphasized his commitment to "serving Arizonans," leaving many to wonder if he was stepping away from the vice-presidential race.
In the deleted tweet, Kelly highlighted his background, saying, “My background is a bit different than most politicians. I spent my life serving in the Navy and at NASA, where the mission always comes first.” He further added, “Now my mission is serving Arizonans.”
Shortly after removing the initial tweet, Kelly posted another message focusing on his dedication to serving the country whenever called upon. This tweet featured a photo of Kelly with military personnel, which seemed to emphasize his readiness to serve in various capacities.
Kelly wrote, “Whether it was from my time in the Navy and at NASA, serving in the United States Senate, or visiting our troops overseas: I’ve learned that when your country asks you to serve, you always answer the call.”
The timing of Kelly’s tweets is significant as he is one of several candidates considered for the Democratic ticket with Vice President Kamala Harris. Other potential running mates include Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear.
This development comes just days before Harris is expected to announce her vice-presidential pick, which is anticipated as early as Monday.
Kelly was scheduled to be interviewed by Harris at her Washington, DC, residence on Sunday, as reported by Reuters. This meeting is part of Harris's process in selecting a running mate to face former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, in the upcoming election.
The sudden deletion of Kelly’s tweet and the subsequent ambiguous statement have fueled various speculations about his future in the vice-presidential race. The Democratic Party and political analysts are keenly watching Kelly’s next moves as the announcement date approaches.
In his tweets, Kelly has repeatedly highlighted his unique background compared to typical politicians. His career includes serving as a Navy combat pilot and as an astronaut at NASA. This diverse experience is a central theme in his political narrative and public service commitment.
Kelly’s emphasis on his mission-oriented approach and service to Arizonans may hint at his preference to continue his work in the Senate rather than pursuing the vice-presidential role.
Despite the buzz created by his deleted tweet, Kelly has not made any clear statements regarding his status in the vice-presidential race. The political community continues to speculate based on his recent social media activity and the upcoming interview with Harris.
As Monday approaches, the anticipation builds around Harris's decision, and Kelly’s position remains a topic of interest and speculation.
Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly's recent social media activity has stirred confusion and speculation about his role in the Democratic Party’s vice-presidential selection process.
His deleted tweet and subsequent ambiguous statement have left many wondering about his future. As Harris prepares to announce her running mate, the political world waits to see if Kelly will remain a contender or continue his dedicated service to Arizonans in the Senate.
