Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona is warning that the Democratic Partys embrace or even mere tolerance of its most radical voices is dragging down its national standing and could cost it power in Washington.
According to the New York Post, Kelly made the case during an appearance on Next Question with Katie Couric, where he bluntly argued that far-left slogans and policies are alienating mainstream voters who then blame the entire party. There are folks out there that say things that just dont 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. Those things dont make sense.
Couric pressed Kelly on whether the ideological rift between progressive activists and more centrist Democrats could damage the party in the midterms and in the 2028 presidential race. It could cost us some seats, Kelly replied. I think thats very, very possible.
The Arizona senator, who has often tried to project a more moderate image in a party increasingly dominated by its left wing, took pains to separate himself from the most extreme proposals. Some of them, I think, associate it with Democrats, Kelly said of voters hearing radical rhetoric. Thats not the Democratic Party Im in. Those arent the policies I support.
His cautionary note comes after months of sobering polling for Democratic leaders, suggesting that voters see the party as out of touch with their priorities. A Fox News poll in April found just 42% of registered voters viewed the Democratic Party favorably, while 58% viewed it unfavorably, and 61% said Democrats were focused on the wrong issues.
A separate Quinnipiac University survey in May painted an even bleaker picture of congressional Democrats performance. Only 20% of registered voters approved of the job Democrats in Congress were doing, while 72% disapproved, and even among Democrats themselves, just 41% approved compared with 50% who disapproved.
Kellys warning also followed a string of victories by democratic socialist candidates, underscoring the growing clout of the partys far-left faction. DSA-backed candidate Melat Kiros toppled longtime Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colo., while DSA member Darializa Avila Chevalier defeated veteran Rep. Adriano Espaillat, D-NY.
In New York, DSA-endorsed state lawmaker Claire Valdez captured the Democratic primary to replace retiring Rep. Nydia Velzquez, D-NY, further signaling that the activist left is not retreating. These wins may thrill progressives, but they deepen concerns among moderates and conservatives that the Democratic Party is drifting toward policies that undermine law enforcement, border security and national defense.
Kelly also acknowledged he is weighing his own role in the partys future, confirming he is seriously considering a 2028 presidential bid. He said his deliberations hinge on family considerations and a realistic assessment of his chances.
Shes about, you know, whats the best thing for the country? Kelly said of his wife, former Rep. Gabby Giffords. She is all about public service, and everybody needs to do their part. If we come to the conclusion that, you know, Im the right person for this and my familys on board, and we also consider what it takes.
The Arizona Democrat noted that he has already assembled a political operation with national reach, channeling resources toward candidates he deems viable rather than those running on utopian platforms. I have the ability to, you know, raise money. Im pretty good at that, Kelly said.
I have raised or given away combined $10 million during this election cycle, he continued. I tend to steer away from the stuff that is never going to happen, that is just about creating a lot of noise.
Yet even as Democrats suffer from a damaged brand, recent polling suggests Republicans cannot take voter discontent for granted. A Fox News poll released last week showed Democrats leading Republicans on the generic congressional ballot by seven points among registered voters, 53% to 46%.
The same survey found that 68% of Democrats were extremely motivated to vote in November, compared with 57% of Republicans, signaling a potential enthusiasm gap that could blunt a conservative resurgence. Democratic support on the Fox News generic ballot was the highest either party has recorded since 1996, a reminder that while voters may recoil from the lefts most radical ideas, Republicans still must offer a compelling alternative grounded in security, stability and common sense.
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