Arizona Senate Race: How Democrat Mark Kelly Fared Against Republican Martha McSally

Democrat Mark Kelly is projected to have defeated Republican incumbent Sen. Martha McSally in Arizona’s special election, according to Fox News.

As of Wednesday at 12:30 a.m. ET, the Associated Press has not announced that Kelly has won.

The race generated national interest, as Democratic strategists considered McSally vulnerable in 2020. There has also been a well-noted demographic shift in Arizona. Fox News has also projected that Joe Biden has won Arizona.

Kelly, 56, has advocated for a public healthcare option and renewable energy solutions to combat climate change. Kelly, a former astronaut, is married to former Arizona Rep. Gabby Giffords.

Giffords was shot in the head in 2011 during an assassination attempt in Tucson. She has since recovered, with Kelly and his wife advocating for stricter gun laws.

McSally, a former Air Force fighter pilot, was appointed by Arizona Republican Gov. Doug Ducey in December 2018, to fill the Senate seat left empty by outgoing Senator Jon Kyl. McSally, who had lost to Democrat Sen. Kyrsten Sinema in November 2018, began her term in January 2019.

McSally is pro-gun rights and opposes Roe vs. Wade. She is also one of the staunchest defenders of President Donald Trump and voted against his impeachment. Yet, McSally refused to say she was proud to support Trump during a recent debate with Kelly.

Should Kelly be confirmed as the winner, he would be sworn into the Senate on Nov. 30.