Mark Kelly deletes tweet that fueled speculation about VP race

On Sunday, Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) deleted a post on the social media platform X that fueled speculation about Vice President Harris’s search for a running mate. Kelly, who is rumored to be on Harris’s shortlist, had initially written that his current mission is “serving Arizonans,” leading to speculation that he might not be chosen for Harris’s ticket.

In his original post, Kelly highlighted his unique background, stating, “My background is a bit different than most politicians. I spent my life serving in the Navy and at NASA, where the mission always comes first. Now, my mission is serving Arizonans.”

Less than an hour later, Kelly removed the post and replaced it with a new message: “Whether it was from my time in the Navy and at NASA, serving in the United States Senate, or visiting our troops overseas: I’ve learned that when your country asks you to serve, you always answer the call.”

The revised post quickly drew hundreds of replies, many speculating about his potential selection as Harris’s running mate. One user exclaimed, “Holy s‑‑‑!! It’s you! Are you telling us you’ve been selected for VP, Mark Kelly?” Another comment suggested, “It appears Mark Kelly is the VP Pick.”

Kelly’s spokesperson, Jacob Peters, downplayed the speculation, advising users to not overinterpret the senator’s remarks. “An Arizona senator tweeting about being an Arizona senator is not news! Go back to your Sundays everybody!” Peters wrote on X.

Kelly is among several notable Democrats being considered as Vice President Harris selects her running mate. With President Biden out of the race and endorsing Harris as his successor, Harris has been swiftly moving to finalize her choice. She interviewed several potential candidates, including Kelly, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, at her residence over the weekend.

Harris is expected to announce her vice presidential pick by Tuesday, ahead of a four-day, seven-state campaign tour with her selected running mate.

The Hill has reached out to Harris’s campaign for additional comments.