Mark Kelly is an American Democratic politician who has served as a Senator from Arizona since December 2020. He is also a retired astronaut and a captain in the US Navy. He has recently gained significant attention as a top contender to become Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate in the 2024 election. Kelly hit back at Donald Trump over a comment he made about Vice President Harris during a speech at the National Association of Black Journalists convention on July 31, 2024, describing him as a “desperate” and a “scared old man.”
Early life and education
Mark Kelly was born Mark Edward Kelly on February 21, 1964, in Orange, New Jersey, U.S. His parents Richard Kelly and Patricia Kelly were both officers in the police service. He has a twin brother, Scott Kelly, who is a NASA astronaut.
Mr. Kelly graduated from Mountain High School in 1982. He went on to the United States Merchant Marine Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Engineering and Nautical Science in 1986. He later received a Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the United States Naval Postgraduate School in 1994.
Military career
Mark Kelly began his career in the Navy. Kelly began in the U.S. Navy in 1986 where he became a Naval Aviator, flying combat missions during the Gulf War. He completed more than 375 carrier landings and flew more than 5,000 hours in more than 50 different aircraft. He was honoured with numerous awards for his exemplary service, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
NASA Career
In 1996, Mr. Kelly was selected by NASA as an astronaut candidate. He flew his first spaceflight in 2001 as the pilot of the Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-108.
Kelly then commanded STS-121 in 2006, STS-124 in 2008, and STS-134 in 2011, which was the final flight of the Space Shuttle Endeavour. During his career, he made significant contributions to scientific research and international cooperation in space exploration. He spent more than 54 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Political career
Mr. Kelly entered politics in 2019, announcing his candidacy for the US Senate in Arizona. In the 2020 election, he won the special election to complete the term of the late Senator John McCain, defeating Republican incumbent Martha McSally. He was sworn into the Senate on December 2, 2020, and has been serving as a US Senate member ever since.
Upcoming 2024 Election “Probable Vice Presidential Candidate”
Mark Kelly is currently in the spotlight as a probable vice presidential candidate for Kamala Harris in the upcoming 2024 election. He has worked on issues such as border security and gun control. He has praised Harris’ efforts to address the root causes of migration from Central America, particularly her work in Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala. Kelly has also supported the Protecting the Right to Organise (PRO) Act, an important law aimed at strengthening labour rights. His support for this act is significant because labour unions play a key role in the Democratic coalition. Kelly’s recent commitment to the PRO Act signals his alignment with progressive values, which could strengthen his candidacy for vice president. If Kelly is elected vice president, Democrats would have to win his Senate seat in a special election to maintain their narrow majority in the chamber.
Publications and Advocacy
Mr. Kelly is also an author and has written several books, including “Gabby: A Story of Courage and Hope,” co-written with Gabrielle Giffords, which details his life and his recovery journey. He is a strong advocate of space exploration, education, and veterans’ issues, often speaking publicly about the importance of these causes.
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Net worth
Mark Kelly’s net worth is currently estimated to be between approximately $10 million and $34 million. His main source of earnings is political career, and book writing. He receives a base salary of $174,000 per year as a US Senator. Additionally, his position offers various benefits including health insurance and retirement plans. Kelly worked as a NASA astronaut from 1996 to 2011 where he earned between $66,000 and $160,000 per year. While during his military service, he earned between $80,000 and $120,000 annually. Kelly’s wife, Gabby Giffords, also contributes to the family’s financial status. As a former US Representative, she also receives a pension.
Hobbies and Interests
Apart from politics, Mark Kelly’s favourite hobbies are book writing, boating, cycling, hiking, and camping. He is a passionate and talented individual who has spent his life in both space and sea. Apart from this, he also has a great passion for the environment. Kelly’s hobbies and interests reflect not only his professional background but also his commitment to making a positive impact on society and inspiring others through his diverse endeavours.
Personal Life
Mark Kelly married former U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords on November 10, 2007 in Tucson, Arizona. They first met in the U.S.-China trade mission in 2003.
He was previously married to Amelia Victoria Babis with whom he has two daughters: Claudia Kelly and Claire Kelly. Giffords served as the U.S. Representative for Arizona’s 8th Congressional District from 2007 to 2012. She has been a staunch supporter of gun control. In January 2011, an attempt was made to kill Giffords, but she survived. She was shot in the head. After Giffords recovered, she and Mark co-founded “Giffords Forever”, an organisation dedicated to promoting gun control and preventing gun violence.
Conclusion
Overall, Mark Kelly’s transition from astronaut to politician has been marked by his dedication to public service, with his family playing a key supporting role in his career. From military and NASA accomplishments to his time in the US Senate, he has made significant contributions to his country. His story is inspiring, encompassing personal and professional successes and a determination to overcome challenges. He currently remains an influential voice in American politics. His personal experiences have added a poignant and necessary perspective to his efforts to create safer communities.
FAQS
Ans: Mark Kelly is an American Democratic politician who has been serving as Arizona Senator since December 2020. He is also a retired astronaut and captain in the US Navy.
Ans: Mark Kelly was born on February 21, 1964 in Orange, New Jersey.
Ans: 60 years
Ans: 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm)
Ans: Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School
Ans: Kelly has served in the US Navy as a naval aviator and test pilot.
Ans: Mark Kelly has completed four space flights, all on Space Shuttle missions, including STS-108, STS-121, STS-134, and STS-135.
Ans: He is best known for commanding the final Space Shuttle mission, STS-135, and for his work on the International Space Station (ISS).
Ans: Kelly entered politics in 2020, winning a special election to the U.S. Senate to fill the late John McCain’s seat.
Ans: Yes, he co-authored the memoir “Gabby: A Story of Courage and Hope” with his wife Gabby Giffords, detailing their experiences and challenges.
