Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) criticized far-left calls—such as abolishing police, eliminating prisons and borders, and defunding the Pentagon—saying they "don't make sense" to most Americans and could cost Democrats seats this November. His remarks came amid recent progressive primary wins in Colorado and New York that have intensified intra-party debate. Polling is mixed: a Fox poll shows Democrats leading the generic ballot while a Quinnipiac survey finds low congressional approval. Kelly also said he is "seriously considering" a 2028 presidential run and has over $22 million in his campaign committee.
Sen. Mark Kelly Warns Far-Left Demands Could Cost Democrats Seats, Urges Practicality
Mark Kelly Breaks With Democrats' Far Left Demands on Police, Prisons and the Pentagon, Warns It Could Cost Seats in November : 'Those Things Don't...'
Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) warned that far-left proposals — including calls to abolish the police, eliminate prisons and borders, and defund the Pentagon — are out of step with mainstream voters and risk costing Democrats key races this November.
Kelly's Remarks and the Intra-Party Debate
Speaking on "Next Question with Katie Couric," Kelly said,
"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. Those things don't make sense."He added that fringe positions are often attributed to the entire Democratic Party, even when many Democratic leaders do not support them.
"That's not the Democratic Party I'm in. Those aren't the policies I support," Kelly said, warning that the split between establishment and progressive factions "could cost us some seats."
Political Context and Polling
Kelly's comments come as progressive and democratic-socialist candidates have won notable primaries: Melat Kiros defeated Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), and Claire Valdez and Darializa Avila Chevalier prevailed in New York contests. Those victories have intensified debate over whether an economic-populist approach can boost turnout without alienating swing voters.
Polling ahead of the midterms presents a mixed picture. A Fox News poll released July 22 showed 53% of voters would support the Democratic candidate in their House district versus 46% for Republicans, and Democrats led in extreme voter motivation, 68% to 57% — the 53% generic-ballot figure was the highest for either party in Fox polling since 1996. By contrast, a May Quinnipiac University survey found only 20% of voters approved of congressional Democrats while 72% disapproved; even among self-identified Democrats, approval lagged disapproval in that poll.
Kelly's Future Plans and Fundraising
Kelly — whose name has been floated as a potential 2028 presidential contender — said he is "seriously considering" a run. Reuters reported his campaign committee holds more than $22 million, the largest war chest among possible Democratic hopefuls, and Kelly said he has raised or distributed about $10 million this cycle to back candidates he views as electable. He also noted that his wife, former Rep. Gabby Giffords (D-Ariz.), has encouraged him to consider running.
Kelly emphasized a pragmatic approach: "I tend to steer away from the stuff that is never going to happen — that is just about creating a lot of noise," he said.
Note: This article focuses on Kelly's public statements, recent primary outcomes, and polling relevant to the 2026 midterm landscape.
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