Mark Kelly Sworn In, Giving Arizona 2 Democratic Senators

ARIZONA — Mark Kelly, a retired astronaut, will now represent Arizona in the U.S. Senate.

Kelly was sworn into office Wednesday by Vice President Mike Pence. He was joined by Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, also a Democrat, and his wife, former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who held public office until she was shot in the head in 2011. Kelly's twin brother, Scott Kelly, another retired astronaut, was also there.

“Great day, excellent day,” Giffords told reporters afterward.

In an emailed statement, Sinema said she looked forward to working alongside the newly minted senator.

“I look forward to partnering with Mark Kelly to cut through Washington dysfunction and deliver results for everyday Arizonans—and I am confident Mark will uphold the Arizona values of seeking common ground and putting country above party.”

Sinema and Kelly will be the first Democratic duo to represent Arizona at the Capitol since Sens. Carl Hayden and Ernest McFarland served in the 1940s and early 1950s.

Kelly, 56, defeated GOP Sen. Martha McSally in the November election, making her one of only three incumbents to lose. By taking office, he has reduced the Republican edge in the chamber to 52-48. Two run-off races in Georgia are set for January to determine the final balance of power.

McSally was appointed to her seat in 2019 to replace McCain. Her appointment lasted only until last month's special election was officially certified, which occurred this week. That cleared the way for Kelly to take office and fill the rest of McCain's six-year term, meaning Kelly will face re-election in 2022.

Kelly and Giffords visited McCain's grave at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. on Tuesday, prior to the ceremony.

Kelly joins the senate as it considers a bipartisan coronavirus relief bill before it adjourns for the rest of the year.

He voiced his support for the bill while speaking with reporters Wednesday.

“I think something should happen now,” he said.

The Associated Press contributed to this reporting.