TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Current Vice President Kamala Harris has become the front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination.

As she rallies supporters across the country, the campaign continues to select a running mate.

One of the leading candidates is Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona.

Some Arizona Democrats hoping he will be selected say he provides a balanced candidate because he is a border senator.

https://x.com/AdamKleppAZ/status/1817595621932511424

“I would say Mark Kelly without hesitation,” Yuma County Supervisor Tony Reyes said, “and on the border, I think having a border senator as your vice president would help her a lot more.”

At a rally in Tucson on Friday night, the vice presidential election was the top concern for local Democrats.

“I 1,000 percent support Mark Kelly as your vice presidential nominee,” Tucson Mayor Regina Romero said.

“This campaign has to look at who complements our strengths and who helps us in areas where we're not as strong,” Pima County Supervisor Chair Adelita Grijalva said.

One potential weakness for Vice President Harris is her record on the border, with many Republicans blaming her for the problems President Joe Biden has faced on immigration.

“In my opinion, there's absolutely no difference. She has the same policies,” Rep. Juan Siscomani said.

Some say Senator Kerry might be useful here.

he has been vocal in his criticism Several President Biden's immigration and border policySpecifically, they are pressuring the Biden administration to fill gaps in Arizona's border wall.

“I will continue to urge the Department of Homeland Security to resolve this outstanding gap issue.” Kelly will be in office in March 2022.He initially began pressing the Biden administration to close the Yuma gap in 2021. People were using them to enter the U.S. illegally.

It was officially closed in 2023, thanks in part to Kelly's efforts. Before the federal government began construction, then-Governor Ducey It was packed with shipping containers.

Luis Lopez

The Yuma construction was among the first barriers built under President Biden.

Yuma County Councilman Tony Reyes believes Kelly's pragmatic approach to issues could help VP Harris' support among voters concerned about the border.

“He analyzes a problem and presents a solution. It's not about being Democrat or Republican, it's just common sense,” Reyes said.

If Kerry is selected as vice presidential candidate And if he and Vice President Harris win in November, Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs will select his replacement in the U.S. Senate, keeping the seat in Democratic hands.

If they lose, Kelly will remain Arizona's senator for a term that ends in 2028.