In a recent interview on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” Senator Mark Kelly, a Democrat representing Arizona, discussed his campaign efforts from Charleston, South Carolina, on October 4, 2026.
Margaret Brennan opened the conversation by highlighting CBS polling data that suggests optimism among Democrats regarding their chances in the House. She inquired about the Senate’s prospects. Senator Kelly responded by noting the enthusiasm he has observed in various states, including Ohio, Iowa, Kansas, Georgia, and South Carolina. He acknowledged that while there are significant opportunities, many races are likely to be closely contested. Kelly pointed out that voters are increasingly frustrated with the current state of affairs in Washington, particularly regarding the rising cost of living, which is straining families’ budgets.
Brennan then referenced an announcement from former President Trump, who indicated plans to distribute $90 payments to 20 million seniors enrolled in Medicare Part B, alongside $500 checks for a million people as part of ACA refunds, and suggested a potential $5,000 payment if Republicans regain control of Congress. She asked Kelly for his stance on these proposals and the Democratic strategy for reducing costs for Americans. Kelly acknowledged the need to support working-class individuals and seniors but criticized Trump’s previous tax cuts that primarily benefited wealthy Americans. He emphasized that these cuts were funded by reducing healthcare access and food assistance for struggling families, framing the proposed $5,000 payment as a political maneuver to buy votes.
When Brennan pressed for a concrete Democratic message beyond their opposition to Trump, Kelly asserted that Democrats are committed to lowering costs for Americans. He explained that achieving this goal requires winning back control of either the House or the Senate. He mentioned specific legislation he is working on with Senator Chris Van Hollen, which aims to increase taxes on high earners while providing tax relief for individuals and couples earning up to $160,000 annually. Kelly also advocated for ending the war in Iran, which he claims has contributed to rising prices, and reversing tariffs that unfairly burden American consumers.
Brennan then shifted the discussion to the Senate race in North Carolina, noting that Republicans have redirected funding efforts to Kansas, an unusual move for them. She asked Kelly about specific Senate races he believes Democrats can convert. Kelly expressed optimism about several candidates, including Adam Hamilton in Kansas, Josh Turek in Iowa, Mary Peltola in Alaska, Troy Jackson in Maine, and Sherrod Brown in Ohio. He mentioned his upcoming support for Annie Andrews in South Carolina, a pediatrician dedicated to her campaign, and highlighted Admiral Nancy Lacore, a candidate in the House race who could be pivotal for Democrats.
Finally, Brennan raised concerns from some Senate Republicans regarding Secretary Pete Hegseth’s recent actions, including plans to reduce the number of generals and admirals by 20%. She asked Kelly if he had any insights into the targeting of those cuts and whether Democrats could intervene if they gain control. Kelly criticized Hegseth’s approach, suggesting that his decisions are often influenced by bias against minority groups and women. He cited specific dismissals, such as that of General CQ Brown, as indicative of a troubling pattern.
