Retired NASA astronaut Mark Kelly was elected to Arizona’s United States Senate seat in 2020, in the special election to replace the late Senator John McCain. Sen. Kelly, a Democrat, is a former U.S. Navy combat pilot who flew 39 missions in the Persian Gulf and an astronaut who flew 4 Space Shuttle missions.

Mark is the son of two police officers, learning the importance of public service and hard work. To help his family make ends meet, Mark worked at the local Dairy Queen and as an EMT, before attending the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. He earned a B.S. in marine engineering at the USMMA, going on to the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School where he received an M.S. in aeronautical engineering.

In the Navy, Mark flew 39 missions as a combat pilot in Operation Desert Storm, where he served on the U.S.S. Midway. He is the recipient of the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, two Distinguished Flying Crosses and multiple Air Medals.

In 1996, after serving as a test pilot, Mark and his twin brother, Scott, were selected for NASA’s astronaut class. Before retiring, Mark flew four missions on the Space Shuttle, spent more than 50 days in space and lived on the International Space Station.

One of the most popular members of the United States Senate, Sen. Kelly is running against avowed “America First” candidate Blake Masters, who is heavily funded by Peter Theil, the man behind J.D. Vance in Ohio. Masters’ rhetoric and proposed policies have been so vile, he’s earned the endorsements of self-proclaimed neo Nazis and white supremacists.

Arizona’s choice is easy: Elect a culture warrior or an actual American war hero-astronaut? While his opponent focuses on the divisive ideas of the past, Mark focuses on policies that will serve Americans now and in the future. He’s worked with Democrats and Republicans alike, helping to pass legislation to restore America’s infrastructure and investing in microchip manufacturing in Arizona. Mark has also made lowering costs, improving access to healthcare, and developing better border security technology priorities.

Mark, who lives in Tuscon, is married to former congresswoman Gabby Giffords and has two daughters and a granddaughter.