Former astronaut Mark Kelly, and husband to former U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, announced his intention to run for the United States Senate this week. Kelly, a Democrat, intends to challenge incumbent Republican Senator Martha McSally who was appointed to the seat by Governor Doug Ducey.


Kelly launched his bid at a rally in Tucson, and later held another rally near downtown Phoenix, accompanied by Giffords and brother Scott Kelly. The event was held outside the Van Buren, with hundreds of supporters gathering to show their enthusiasm for Kelly's candidacy.


Kelly and Giffords have been vocal about reforming gun laws in recent years, following the deadly Tucson shooting that nearly cost Giffords' life in 2011, and led to the deaths and injuries of several others.


This will be Kelly's first foray into the political scene as a candidate himself. Kelly retired as a NASA astronaut in 2011, after spending more than 54 days in space during the span of his career.


You can find photos from the event here: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmB19T2Z