Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) warned that far-left demands to abolish police, eliminate prisons and the border, and defund the Pentagon are hurting Democrats, even as the party builds a polling lead over Republicans before November’s midterm elections.
Kelly Rejects Policies Linked To Democrats
"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 said voters often attach fringe proposals to every Democrat. "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."
His criticism comes as progressive candidates gain ground. Democratic socialist Melat Kiros defeated Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) in Colorado, while Claire Valdez and Darializa Avila Chevalier won New York primaries. The victories have intensified debate over whether economic populism can energize Democrats without alienating swing voters.
Polls Show Strength Alongside Party Weakness
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 led in extreme voter motivation, 68% to 57%. The 53% figure marked the highest generic-ballot support for either party in Fox polling since 1996.
The party’s standing remains weak. 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."
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