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Rep. Ruben Gallego Still Deciding On Senate Bid

Retired astronaut Mark Kelly has announced he’s running for U.S. Senate in 2020 in hopes to serve out the late John McCain’s term.

Just after Kelly made his announcement, progressive groups pushed for Rep. Ruben Gallego to run, rolling out ads and a website.

Gallego hasn’t announced a decision but says he’s not worried about facing Kelly in a primary.

“He hasn’t run for office," Gallego said, "he doesn’t have any positions. He’s never actually had his name on the ballot.”

Kelly’s wife is former Representative Gabrielle Giffords, who was severely wounded in a mass shooting near Tucson in 2011. Since then, Kelly has been outspoken on gun rights.

Should Gallego run, he has a congressional ally in fellow Democrat Raul Grijalva. Grijalva said Gallego would make more inroads with Arizona Democrats.

“It’s going to be a grassroots intensive primary," Grijalva said, "and I think that makes Ruben not only credible but formidable as well.” 

The Senate seat is currently held by Republican Martha McSally, who was appointed by Gov. Doug Ducey.

Matt Kling was an intern and reporter at KJZZ from 2018 to 2019.