Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, one of the “Sedition Six” Democrats who recently appeared in a video suggesting U.S. service members ignore President Donald Trump’s lawful orders, is emerging as an early potential contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination. The former astronaut has increased his national visibility through frequent media appearances and public disputes with Trump over recent U.S. military actions in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. Democrats praised Kelly after he criticized Trump’s warnings that retired personnel like him could face prosecution for refusing what Trump called illegal orders. Kelly also labeled Trump the worst president in American history and argued that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is “historically unqualified.” Quiet trips to early primary states and his strong fundraising record have fueled speculation about a future campaign.
Kelly has cultivated an image as a pragmatic problem solver, though he remains a loyal vote for his party, including supporting decisions that kept the government shut down for a record duration earlier this fall. Despite growing attention, some early 2028 Democratic polls focus more on figures such as Pete Buttigieg, Gavin Newsom, Kamala Harris, J.B. Pritzker, Josh Shapiro, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and fellow Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego. Republican strategists have dismissed Kelly’s chances, arguing he carries significant political baggage, though they provided no specifics.
The Department of War recently opened a formal review into allegations of misconduct linked to the video urging troops to reject illegal orders. Pentagon officials said they may consider recalling Kelly, a retired Navy captain, to active duty for possible court-martial or administrative actions. The department emphasized that military retirees remain subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice and reminded personnel that orders are presumed lawful unless proven otherwise.