History of Mark Kelly in Timeline

Mark Edward Kelly is an American politician, retired astronaut, and former naval officer currently serving as the senior United States senator from Arizona since 2020. A member of the Democratic Party, Kelly's career spans military service, space exploration with NASA, and now political representation. His background as an astronaut brings a unique perspective to his role as a senator.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

January 7, 1989: Kelly Marries Amelia Victoria Babis

On January 7, 1989, Kelly married Amelia Victoria Babis.

2003: Kelly Meets Gabby Giffords in China

In 2003, Kelly met Gabby Giffords on a trip to China as part of a trade mission sponsored by the National Committee on U.S.–China Relations.

2004: Kelly Divorces Amelia Victoria Babis

In 2004, Kelly divorced Amelia Victoria Babis. They have two daughters, Claudia and Claire Kelly.

November 10, 2007: Kelly Marries Gabby Giffords

On November 10, 2007, Kelly married U.S. representative Gabby Giffords of Tucson in a ceremony at Congregation Temple Chaverim in Tucson, Arizona.

January 8, 2011: Attempted Assassination of Gabby Giffords

On January 8, 2011, Gabby Giffords was shot in an assassination attempt, which killed six people and brought national attention to Kelly.

January 12, 2011: Memorial Service Held for Victims of Shooting

On January 12, 2011, a memorial service for those killed in the assassination attempt was held at the University of Arizona. President Obama spoke at the memorial. Kelly sat between First Lady Michelle Obama and Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano.

February 3, 2011: Kelly Speaks at National Prayer Breakfast

On February 3, 2011, Kelly spoke at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. He said the attack on his wife brought him closer to God and gave him a newfound awareness regarding prayer.

2011: Kelly Becomes Advocate for Gun Control

In 2011, Kelly became an outspoken advocate for gun control after the attempted assassination of his wife, former U.S. Representative Gabby Giffords, in the Tucson mass shooting.

2015: Kelly Appears on Celebrity Jeopardy!

In 2015, Kelly appeared on an episode of Celebrity Jeopardy!

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2020: Kelly Runs as a Moderate

In 2020, Kelly ran as a moderate and voiced support for bipartisanship.

2020: Kelly States Pro-Choice Stance

In 2020, as a candidate, Kelly said he was "pro-choice" and was endorsed by Planned Parenthood. He supports codifying Roe v. Wade into federal law and has said that late-stage abortions should be legally protected.

February 2021: Kelly Votes to Convict Trump in Impeachment Trial

In February 2021, Kelly voted to convict Donald Trump for incitement of insurrection in his second impeachment trial, and has been outspoken in his disdain for him.

2021: Kelly Receives High Score from League of Conservation Voters

In 2021, The League of Conservation Voters gave Kelly a 97% score.

2021: Kelly Named as 'Crucial' by ExxonMobil Senior Director

In a 2021 Greenpeace exposé, Kelly was one of 11 U.S. senators ExxonMobil Senior Director for Federal Relations Keith McCoy called "crucial" to the company. Kelly has received funding from ExxonMobil lobbyists.

October 2022: Kelly's Voting Record in Line with Biden's Position

As of October 2022, Kelly had voted in line with President Joe Biden's stated position 94.5% of the time.

2022: Kelly Advocates for Expansion of Oil Drilling

In 2022, Kelly advocated for an expansion of oil drilling in the wake of rising gas prices.

January 2023: Three Bills Regarding Indian Tribes Signed into Law

In January 2023, three bills regarding Indian tribes, introduced by Kelly and Senator Kyrsten Sinema, were signed into law by President Joe Biden. One bill allocated more federal money and time to build water infrastructure for the White Mountain Apache Tribe. Another permitted the Colorado River Indian Tribes to lease out parts of the Colorado River, and a third allocated part of the Colorado River to the Hualapai tribe for water infrastructure.

2023: Kelly co-sponsored the bipartisan END FENTANYL Act

In 2023, Kelly co-sponsored the bipartisan END FENTANYL Act. The law requires United States Customs and Border Protection to refresh its interdiction procedures at least every three years to mitigate advances in narcotics and human trafficking across the U.S. southern border.

July 2024: Kelly Blames Trump for Sinking Bipartisan Border Bill

In July 2024, Kelly blamed former President Donald Trump for sinking a bipartisan border bill.

November 2025: Kelly Participates in Video Regarding Illegal Orders

In November 2025, Kelly was one of six Democratic lawmakers to participate in a video reminding military service members that they may refuse "illegal orders". Later that month, President Trump called those in the video, including Kelly, traitors who should be charged with sedition and shared a social media post calling for them to be hanged.

November 24, 2025: Kelly Under Investigation by Department of Defense

On November 24, 2025, the United States Department of Defense announced that Kelly was under investigation after it received "serious allegations of misconduct" in relation to the "illegal orders" video. Kelly and the other lawmakers in the video subsequently received threats. Kelly raised $12.5 million in the final quarter of 2025.

2025: Kelly Votes for Laken Riley Act

In 2025, Kelly was one of 12 Senate Democrats who joined all Republicans to vote for the Laken Riley Act.

January 5, 2026: Pentagon to Pursue Administrative Measures Against Kelly

On January 5, 2026, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced that the Pentagon would pursue administrative measures against Kelly, including the reduction of his retirement pay, in response to his participation in the video. Kelly sued one week later, alleging that the actions violated the principles of protected free speech and legislative independence.

February 2026: Grand Jury Declines to Indict Kelly for Video

In February 2026, a grand jury declined to return an indictment against Kelly and the others for the video. Subsequently, Judge Richard Leon of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia issued a temporary injunction against Hegseth's proposed actions on Kelly's rank and pension. In response, Hegseth said Leon's decision would be "immediately appealed".