Senator Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., has warned that certain far-left policy proposals, such as abolishing police, eliminating prisons, and defunding the Pentagon, are alienating voters and could contribute to Democratic losses. In an interview on "Next Question with Katie Couric," Kelly stated that these stances "don't make sense to the American people" and suggested they are partly responsible for the party's struggles in recent polling.
"It could cost us some seats," Kelly said when asked about the potential impact on midterm elections and future presidential nominees. "I think that’s very, very possible." He sought to distance himself from the more progressive elements of the party, asserting, "Those things don’t make sense." Kelly added, "Some of them, I think, associate it with Democrats. That’s not the Democratic Party I’m in. Those aren’t the policies I support."
Kelly's remarks come amid a period of unfavorable polling for Democratic leaders. An April Fox News poll indicated that only 42% of registered voters viewed the Democratic Party favorably, with 58% holding an unfavorable view. Additionally, 61% of respondents believed Democrats were focused on the "wrong" issues. A May Quinnipiac University poll showed that just 20% of registered voters approved of the job congressional Democrats were doing, while 72% disapproved.
The senator's warning follows several primary victories for candidates backed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Notable wins included Melat Kiros defeating Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colo., and Darializa Avila Chevalier ousting Rep. Adriano Espaillat, D-NY. New York state lawmaker Claire Valdez, also endorsed by the DSA, secured the Democratic primary to succeed Rep. Nydia Velázquez, D-NY.
Separately, Kelly confirmed he is "seriously considering" a presidential run in 2028, with his wife, former Rep. Gabby Giffords, encouraging him to enter the race. He indicated that his decision would hinge on family considerations and his belief in his ability to win.
"She’s about, you know, what’s the best thing for the country?" Kelly said of Giffords. "She is all about public service, and everybody needs to do their part. If we come to the conclusion that, you know, I’m the right person for this and my family’s on board, and we also consider what it takes."
Kelly has cultivated a political operation capable of supporting a national campaign, having directed millions of dollars to candidates he deems electable and avoiding those with what he described as "unrealistic proposals." He stated, "I have the ability to, you know, raise money. I’m pretty good at that. I have raised or given away combined $10 million during this election cycle. I tend to steer away from the stuff that is never going to happen, that is just about creating a lot of noise."
Despite the party's challenges in public perception, a recent Fox News poll showed Democrats leading Republicans by seven points on the generic congressional ballot, 53% to 46%. The same poll found that 68% of Democrats were highly motivated to vote in the upcoming election, compared to 57% of Republicans. This marks the highest level of Democratic support on the Fox News generic ballot since 1996.