Kelly welcomed to Senate by colleagues
Democratic leaders take to social media to express congratulations
WASHINGTON, D.C. (KYMA, KECY) - Arizona's newest U.S. Senator received a warm welcome from his new colleagues in Congress after he took the Oath of Office on the Senate floor Wednesday afternoon.
Fellow Arizona Sen. Krysten Sinema tweeted this after escorting Mark Kelly to the Senate floor to take his oath of office:
I look forward to partnering with @SenMarkKelly to cut through Washington dysfunction and deliver results for everyday Arizonans - and I am confident Mark will uphold the Arizona values of seeking common ground and putting country above party.
— Kyrsten Sinema (@SenatorSinema) December 2, 2020
Congressman Raul Grijalva said he looks forward to collaborating with Kelly:
Congrats to Arizona's newest Senator, @SenMarkKelly on being sworn in today.
— Raul M. Grijalva (@RepRaulGrijalva) December 2, 2020
He'll be a great voice in the Senate to fight for #COVID19 relief for Arizona families, workers, and small businesses, and I look forward to working with him on the issues Arizonans care about most.
California's senior senator, Diane Feinstein, also expressed her desire to work with him.
Welcome and congratulations to @SenMarkKelly on his swearing in today. We’re pleased to have you in the Senate and I can’t wait to work together on issues important to us both.
— Senator Dianne Feinstein (@SenFeinstein) December 2, 2020
The Senate Minority Leader honored Kelly's wife, former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, in his congratulatory message:
As Mark Kelly says—Gabby Giffords was the 1st family member in Congress
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) December 2, 2020
Navy Captain
Astronaut
This may not be a role Mark expected
But after tragedy—we're inspired by Gabby’s recovery & the courage it took their family to re-enter public service
Welcome aboard, @SenMarkKelly! pic.twitter.com/7Rk8gZiwr6
Sen. Kelly also enjoyed a warm welcome from both the President-elect and the Vice President-elect.
Congratulations to the newest United States Senator @SenMarkKelly. I know he’ll serve the people of Arizona well, and I look forward to working together to build this country back better.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) December 2, 2020
Captain Mark Kelly has been a fearless leader his entire career. From the U.S. Navy to NASA and now the Senate—I know he will serve the people of Arizona with great honor and dignity. Welcome to the United States Senate, @SenMarkKelly!
— Kamala Harris (@SenKamalaHarris) December 2, 2020