Mark Kelly Discusses Presidential Speculation for 2028

Arizona Senator Mark Kelly addressed speculation about his possible run for the presidency in 2028. Kelly, a Democrat, is a potential candidate mentioned by Politico. He was asked if his campaigning for Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff, another 2028 contender, might indicate an ‘Ossoff-Kelly’ ticket. Kelly humorously responded, questioning the order in which their names were listed.

Rumors about candidate interest are growing before this year’s midterms. Presidential runs are typically announced post-midterms, although early announcements are not unheard of. Democratic candidates are already testing messages and visiting primary states to boost recognition and connect with voters.

Polling data can reveal early momentum among potential candidates. It influences donors and voters assessing a candidate’s viability. Initial name recognition and polling numbers contribute to fundraising and media attention. Newsweek sought a comment from Kelly’s campaign via email.

Mark Kelly’s 2028 Chances: What Polls Show

Polls position Kelly below prominent names like Kamala Harris, Pete Buttigieg, Gavin Newsom, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Still, Kelly garners support from some Democrats. A Focaldata and Financial Times poll showed Harris leading with 30%, followed by Newsom at 14%, Buttigieg at 10%, and Ocasio-Cortez at 8%. Kelly and Ossoff received 5% each, based on a survey of 2,152 adults in August.

Another poll from McLaughlin & Associates showed Kelly with 7% support, with Harris leading at 28%, Newsom at 17%, Ocasio-Cortez at 10%, and Buttigieg at 8%. This poll included 1,000 voters, 472 of whom were Democratic voters in July.

An Echelon Insights poll had Kelly at 4%. Harris led with 21%, followed by Newsom at 14% and Buttigieg at 13%. The poll surveyed 1,004 likely voters and had a margin of error of ±3.6 percentage points.

Kelly’s strong electoral performances in Arizona, a swing state, are seen as beneficial. Elected first in 2020 by over 2 points and winning a full term by nearly 5 points in 2022, Kelly reflects Arizona’s divided political landscape, a state Trump favored by 5.5 points. Known for being moderate aligns with the state’s voting tendencies, appealing to some Democrats.

Mark Kelly Gains Ground in Prediction Market

Kelly’s odds on prediction markets have improved but lag behind others. Early Monday, Kalshi showed a 5.3% chance for Kelly. Ocasio-Cortez and Newsom led with 17%, Ossoff at 14%, and Harris at 9.2%. Shapiro had a 4.6% chance. A month earlier, Kelly’s chances were 3.5%.

On Polymarket, Kelly held a 3% chance of winning the nomination. Ocasio-Cortez led with 21%, followed by Newsom at 16%, Ossoff at 15%, and Harris at 7%. Prediction markets aggregate real-money wagers, reflecting trader sentiment but not predict future outcomes.

Who Is Running for President in 2028? What Potential Democratic Candidates Have Said

Kamala Harris, visiting states like Michigan and South Carolina, hinted at a presidential run. Speaking in April, she expressed consideration due to her experience near the presidency.

Gavin Newsom, in a June 2025 interview, acknowledged a possible presidential bid but mentioned ‘fate’ as a deciding factor.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, speaking in May, emphasized changing the country over personal political ambitions. Her comment underscored her focus on policies over holding office.