McSally releases first attack ad

Senator fires first volley in what promises to be a fierce battle

PHOENIX, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Republican Senator Martha McSally fired the first shot Wednesday in what promises to be one of the most heated political campaigns of the 2020 election season.

McSally began airing a political ad attacking Democrat Mark Kelly for supporting President Donald Trump's impeachment.

Kelly said after the Senate trial he would have voted to convict Trump of abuse of power and obstructing Congress. The advertisement ties him to the House members who led the push for impeachment. It also accuses Kelly of being "too liberal for Arizona."

McSally says the President acted inappropriately, but believes Trump's actions were not impeachable

Late Wednesday afternoon Kelly's communications director reached out to KYMA.com to make a statement on the ad. Jacob Peters wrote:

"This is the same negative politics Arizonans rejected once before. Meanwhile, Mark is listening to Arizonans and showing how his background as an engineer, combat pilot and astronaut is exactly the type of solutions-first approach we need to protect pre-existing conditions coverage, lower prescriptions drugs costs, and tackle the issues important to our state.”

Statement from Jacob Peters, Communications Director - Mark Kelly for Senate

This is the second time McSally has run for the Senate. She lost her 2018 bid for the seat to Democrat Kyrsten Sinema. Arizona Governor Doug Ducey later appointed her to her current seat. She was the first female fighter pilot to fly combat for the U.S. Air Force.

Kelly is a U.S. Navy veteran and former space shuttle commander. This is is his first run for office. Kelly is married to former U.S. Representative Gabby Giffords.