Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) is tired of the fringe. As Democrats enjoy a polling edge ahead of November's midterms, Kelly is warning that far-left demands could undo that momentum.
"There are folks out there that say things that just don't make sense to the American people, like abolish the police or get rid of jails and prisons, get rid of the border, defund the Pentagon," Kelly said Thursday on "Next Question with Katie Couric." "Those things don't make sense."
Kelly's frustration is about more than just policy. He says voters often attach these extreme positions to every Democrat, even those who don't support them. "That's not the Democratic Party I'm in. Those aren't the policies I support," he said, warning the split "could cost us some seats."
The timing is notable. Progressive candidates are gaining ground in primaries, with Democratic socialist Melat Kiros defeating Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) in Colorado, and Claire Valdez and Darializa Avila Chevalier winning New York primaries. These victories have sparked a debate within the party: can economic populism fire up the base without scaring off swing voters?
Polls Show Strength Alongside Party Weakness
On the surface, things look good for Democrats. A Fox News poll released July 22 found 53% of voters would support the Democratic candidate in their House district, compared with 46% for the Republican. Democrats also led in extreme voter motivation, 68% to 57%. That 53% figure is the highest generic-ballot support for either party in Fox polling since 1996.
But dig deeper, and the party's standing looks shakier. A May Quinnipiac University poll found only 20% of voters approved of congressional Democrats, while 72% disapproved. Even among Democrats, 50% disapproved and 41% approved. Still, voters preferred Democratic control of the House by 50% to 39%.
Kelly Weighs Presidential Bid And Strategy
Kelly, whose potential 2028 ambitions have drawn attention, said he is "seriously considering" a presidential campaign. Reuters reported that he has more than $22 million in his campaign committee, the largest stockpile among potential Democratic contenders.
Kelly said his wife, former Rep. Gabby Giffords (D-Ariz.), has encouraged him to consider running. He also said he has raised or distributed $10 million this cycle while backing electable candidates.
"I tend to steer away from the stuff that is never going to happen," Kelly said, "that is just about creating a lot of noise."
