Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., has indicated he may pursue a 2028 presidential bid, stating in a Feb. 16 BBC interview that the idea is under consideration, though he has not made a final decision. Kelly emphasized that any choice would involve discussions with his family, including his wife Gabrielle Giffords, their daughters, and his identical twin brother, also a former astronaut.

The senator’s comments come amid ongoing legal and political disputes with the Trump administration. Kelly and five other Democratic lawmakers were investigated for seditious conspiracy after releasing a 90-second video telling U.S. service members they could refuse “illegal” orders. President Donald Trump called the video “seditious behavior,” and the Justice Department initially sought indictments, which a grand jury ultimately declined to issue.

Kelly also faces potential demotion in his retired Navy rank, which could reduce his retirement pay. War Secretary Pete Hegseth moved to initiate retirement-grade proceedings, prompting Kelly to file a lawsuit alleging unconstitutional retaliation for protected speech. U.S. District Judge Richard Leon temporarily blocked the action, citing probable First Amendment violations, while Hegseth has vowed to appeal.

In his BBC interview, Kelly reflected on his military and Senate career, highlighting his engineering background, combat experience, and time as a four-time astronaut. He framed himself as a nontraditional politician but did not address concerns over the controversy surrounding his video to service members.

Kelly’s possible White House ambitions, combined with his recent clashes with the administration and ongoing scrutiny from military officials, raise questions about his judgment and political priorities at a time when national security issues remain high on the agenda.