Foreign Policy for America Endorses Mark Kelly (AZ) for Election

Former naval aviator and astronaut endorsed by nonpartisan Foreign Policy for America Action Network

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 27, 2020

WASHINGTON D.C. - Foreign Policy for America Action Network announced today its endorsement of Mark Kelly for election. As a retired U.S. Navy combat pilot, engineer, and NASA astronaut, Kelly is running to represent the people of Arizona in the U.S. Senate.

“Mark is a no nonsense problem solver,” said Andrew Albertson, treasurer of Foreign Policy for America Action Network. “He’s going to roll up his sleeves and work across the aisle to support common sense policies. And I think he's going to be successful – whether that means tackling climate change, strengthening our relationships with our NATO allies, or revitalizing American diplomacy. Mark will bring extraordinary experience to Washington, and I think at this moment – when so many are trying to divide us – his style of leadership is exactly what we need. That's why Foreign Policy for America is proud to endorse him.”

“Our country is at its strongest when we work closely with our allies to achieve our foreign policy goals – which is why I’m concerned that the United States has stepped back from its leadership role in the world by abandoning critical international agreements,” said Kelly. “I learned this lesson while flying 39 combat missions as part of an international coalition during Operation Desert Storm, and again during my time at NASA working with people from different countries and political systems. I’m honored to have earned Foreign Policy for America's endorsement and look forward to working in the Senate to build closer ties with our allies and ensure the United States leads in tackling climate change, building lasting peace agreements, and other international issues that we face.”

Mark Kelly began his career as a naval aviator and deployed twice during the First Gulf War. He flew 39 combat missions in Operation Desert Storm and received numerous medals for service. In 1996, Kelly was selected as an astronaut in the same class as his twin brother Scott and flew his first of four missions into space in 2001 aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavor. Kelly commanded the same space shuttle on its final flight in May 2011. After retiring from the Navy and NASA, Kelly and his wife former Rep. Gabby Giffords founded the organization “GIFFORDS,” which unites veterans, law enforcement officers, and gun owners to reduce gun violence. If elected, Kelly hopes to serve on the Armed Services, Foreign Relations, or Intelligence Committees, and he promises to be a strong leader on the foreign policy issues that matter most to Arizonans including immigration and climate change. 

Kelly joins Foreign Policy for America endorsed Senate candidates Cal Cunningham (NC) and incumbent Senator Jeanne Shaheen (NH). In the House, FP4A has also endorsed Rep. Colin Allred (TX-32), Rep. Gil Cisneros (CA-39), Rep. Jason Crow (CO-06), Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Rep. Andy Kim (NJ-03), Rep. Tom Malinowski (NJ-07), Rep. Max Rose (NY-11), Rep. Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), Rep. Elissa Slotkin (MI-08), Rep. Xochitl Torres Small (NM-02), Rep. Abigail Spanberger (VA-07), and Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14), as well as challengers Dan Feehan (MN-01), Sri Kulkarni (TX-22), and Gina Ortiz Jones (TX-23). 

Foreign Policy for America is a non-profit, nonpartisan advocacy organization. We engage, connect, and support citizens to promote foreign policy that keeps Americans safe and out of conflicts, advances prosperity for all, and is true to our country’s highest values. The Foreign Policy for America Action Network is a nonpartisan political action committee (PAC) that helps elect federal candidates who champion strong, principled American foreign policy.

Media Contact: Jessica Andrews, 480-688-4742, press@fpactionnetwork.org.