Biography

Mark Edward Kelly, born on February 21, 1964, in Orange, New Jersey, is an American politician, retired astronaut, and former naval officer serving as the senior United States Senator from Arizona since 2020. A member of the Democratic Party, Kelly has a distinguished background in military service and space exploration. He flew 39 combat missions during Operation Desert Storm as a naval aviator and later became a NASA astronaut, participating in four space missions between 2001 and 2011. Kelly is married to former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, and together they co-founded the organization Giffords, advocating for responsible gun ownership and policies to reduce gun violence.

Education and Political Experience

• Education:

  • Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering and Nautical Science from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
  • Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School

• Political Experience:

  • Elected to the U.S. Senate in 2020, defeating incumbent Republican Martha McSally
  • Re-elected in 2022, defeating Republican challenger Blake Masters
  • Serves on the Armed Services, Environment and Public Works, Intelligence, Aging, and Joint Economic Committees
  • Chair of the Senate Armed Services Airland Subcommittee

Senator Kelly focuses on bipartisan efforts to create good-paying jobs, cut taxes for middle-class families, and lower costs for Arizonans. He has been instrumental in securing funding for domestic microchip manufacturing and negotiating deals to reduce prescription drug prices.