IN FOCUS - May 22, 2026

Four Arizonans have run for President and come up short, leading to the axiom: “Arizona is the only state in the union where mothers can't tell their sons they can grow up to be president."

In 2028, it looks like one or maybe even two Arizona candidates could put that truism to the test.

Last weekend, U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D) was stumping in South Carolina with Democratic legislators who oppose a last-minute redrawing of the state’s congressional maps. South Carolina is considered ultra-important because the state in recent cycles has hosted the first presidential Primary in the South.

On Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D) delivered a blistering speech against the Trump administration's war with Iran, while headlining a progressive think tank’s annual conference in Washington, D.C.  

The events have helped fuel speculation that Sens. Kelly and Gallego are each weighing a potential presidential run in 2028, when the nation’s highest office will be open.

If Sens. Kelly and Gallego launch bids for POTUS, they’ll join an esteemed list of Arizonans that have done the same - including Republicans John McCain and Barry Goldwater (who each earned their party’s nomination), and Democrats Mo Udall and Bruce Babbitt.

Sens. Kelly and Gallego are typically included among an ever-expanding list of politicos, celebrities, business leaders and others said to be eyeing the Oval Office during what will be the first presidential election in a decade without Donald Trump’s name on the ballot. Right??

While potential candidates for 2028 are already positioning, look for campaigns to begin formally staking out ground not long after this year’s midterms are concluded. 

In other words, check back in six months.