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Senator Kelly considers White House run
Arizona Democrat Mark Kelly has told the BBC he is "seriously considering" a presidential campaign in 2028 as he fights legal and personal attacks from the Trump administration.
Video sparked Trump backlash
In November, Kelly released a 90-second video urging military personnel to refuse orders they believed were illegal. The clip coincided with growing debate over the legality of U.S. strikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels off South America.
Donald Trump accused Kelly of "seditious behaviour" and the Pentagon later attempted-unsuccessfully-to strip him of his military rank. A grand jury declined to bring seditious-conspiracy charges.
Death threats and round-the-clock security
Kelly and his wife, former congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, now receive weekly death threats and have been placed under 24-hour protection. Giffords survived an assassination attempt in 2011 that left her with a severe brain injury.
"Donald Trump is so reckless about what he says. There are folks out there who react to what he said, and people listen to him."
Mark Kelly, U.S. Senator
Kelly vows to fight legal pressure
The senator expects Trump to continue pursuing legal action and says he will contest any case "all the way to the Supreme Court." Critics describe the crackdown on Kelly and five other lawmakers-all military or intelligence veterans-as an assault on free speech and political retaliation.
2028 field takes shape
Kelly joins a growing list of Democrats eyeing the White House. Vice-President Kamala Harris, who lost to Trump in 2024, has said she would "possibly" run again. California Governor Gavin Newsom is also weighing a bid.
Trump, barred by the 22nd Amendment from a third consecutive term, has not ruled out another campaign and has floated Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as potential successors.
