Arizona Senator Mark Kelly added to the Democratic Party's veepstakes intrigue on Sunday by posting - and then swiftly deleting - a cryptic message on social media. The tweet hinted at his future focus, suggesting he might be out of the running to become Vice President Kamala Harris's running mate, before it was taken down.
Kelly's initial post on X read, "My background is a bit different than most politicians. I spent my life serving in the Navy and at NASA, where the mission always comes first. Now my mission is serving Arizonans." This statement, which appeared to downplay his national ambitions, led many to speculate about his potential exclusion from the VP shortlist.
Adding to the confusion, Kelly later tweeted a more general statement: "Whether it was from my time in the Navy and at NASA, serving in the United States Senate, or visiting our troops overseas: I've learned that when your country asks you to serve, you always answer the call." This tweet, accompanied by a photo of Kelly speaking with military personnel, left the public guessing about his true intentions.
Kelly is one of several prominent Democrats being considered for the vice-presidential slot on the ticket with Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee for the 2024 election. Other potential candidates include Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear.
Sources close to the matter reported that Kelly was scheduled for an interview with Harris at her Washington, D.C. residence on Sunday, according to Reuters. This meeting, along with his ambiguous social media activity, intensified the speculation.
Social media reactions were swift and varied. One user asked, "What is happening," while another exclaimed, "Holy s---! It's you! Are you telling us you've been selected for VP, Mark Kelly?" These reactions underscored the heightened anticipation surrounding Harris's pending announcement.
Adding to the speculation, some users shared a screen grab of Kelly's deleted tweet, which read, "My background is a bit different than most politicians. I spent my life serving in the Navy and at NASA, where the mission always comes first. Now my mission is serving Arizonans." This left many wondering whether Kelly was signaling his exit from the VP race or simply emphasizing his dedication to his current role.
Fox News Digital reached out to both Harris and Kelly for comments, but neither responded immediately.
Harris is expected to reveal her vice-presidential pick imminently, with reports suggesting an announcement could come as early as Monday. The decision is crucial as Harris prepares to challenge former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, in the 2024 election.
Kelly's potential candidacy has been a topic of considerable interest due to his unique background and service record. A former astronaut and Navy captain, Kelly's career has been marked by a commitment to public service. His entry into politics came after the assassination attempt on his wife, former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, which thrust him into the national spotlight.
