PHOENIX – While the future Democratic nominee is uncertain following President Joe Biden’s announcement that he will not see reelection, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly’s name has popped up as a potential candidate for both president and vice president.

Who is Mark Kelly?

Mark Kelly is a moderate, a retired NASA astronaut and married to former Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.

Kelly was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2020 when he defeated Republican Martha McSally.

‘Best image of all the electorate’

Mike Noble, CEO and founder of Noble Predictive Insights, thinks Kelly could be the perfect fit on the Democrats’ presidential ticket.

“Mark Kelly has fantastic numbers of all the elected officials in the entire state of Arizona. Mark Kelly has the best image of all the electorate,” he said. “We have four months left. I think there’s gonna be some more twists and turns from now until election day, so buckle up, hold on and grab your popcorn.”

Arizona is one of five states that have a “resign to run” law,” meaning someone holding public office would have to resign that position before running for another office.

However, that law does not affect federal office holders, so it wouldn’t apply to Sen. Kelly if he decides to make a move. 

Kelly endorses Harris as Democratic nominee

Kelly released a statement after President Biden announced he was dropping out, saying in part that he “couldn’t be more confident” that Kamala Harris can beat Donald Trump in the 2024 Election.

TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — For some voters, it’s honorable and selfless for President Biden to drop out of the 2024 presidential race while other say it’s not. For young voters in Arizona, it’s about becoming informed and raising their voice for issues that matter to them too.

Armonee Jackson is the president of the Young Democrats of Arizona. When she heard about President Biden’s decision, she quickly thought about the next move.

“Our plan has been to stick behind Biden because we know the consequences of Trump getting another four years,” she said.

Other voters like Carson Carpenter, the president of the College Republicans at Arizona State University, said this move shows the chaos and upheaval of the Democratic Party.

“If he’s not cognitive to run for president, then how can he be the president, it does not make sense,” he said. “They knew he wasn’t competent and they make this decision 107 days out. That’s very irresponsible.”

Just moments after President Biden announced his decision, he endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the democratic nominee.

“I personally stand ten toes behind that,” Jackson said. “We just want someone that’s going to fight for the people.”

And while both Jackson and Carpenter stand on opposite sides of the aisle, they agree it’s important for young people’s voices to be heard.

“It boils down to we are going to have to clean up whatever mess it is,” Jackson said.

Carpenter encourages more young people to get involved with politics, especially after Former President Trump’s and President Biden’s age fueled many political discussions.

“I believe there are enough young successful people in this country where if they wanted to take true initiative on this issue, they should be running for office,” he said.

Jackson said it’s important for each young person to vote this year.

“It’s super important every vote matters,” Jackson said.

The National Weather Service has issued a dust storm warning for Maricopa County starting at 4:22 p.m. July 21. The warning expires at 5:15 p.m. July 21.

For the latest watches and warnings, see our weather alert page.

A “haboob” typically occurs in Arizona during monsoon. From June to September, large dust storms can occur across the state as high winds pick up loose dust.

“Haboob” is an Arabic word that translates to “big, blasting winds.” explained Andrew Deemer, a meteorologist from the National Weather Service in Phoenix and former linguist.

Terminology: When did we start using haboob to describe dust storms in Arizona

What should I do in a dust storm if I am driving?

The Arizona Department of Transportation has helpful tips for drivers who may get stuck in a dust storm while driving. The “Pull Aside, Stay Alive” campaign aims to save drivers from dangerous situations by providing tips to survive a blowing dust event.

• If you encounter a dust storm, immediately check traffic around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down.
• Do not wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway – do it as soon as possible. Completely exit the highway if you can.
• Do not stop in a travel lane or in the emergency lane. Look for a safe place to pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway.
• Turn off all vehicle lights. You do not want other vehicles, approaching from behind, to use your lights as a guide and possibly crash into your parked vehicle.
• Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake.Stay in the vehicle with your seat belt buckled and wait for the storm to pass.
• Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be especially aware of changing weather conditions and travel at reduced speeds.

More information on dust storm safety can be found at PullAsideStayAlive.org and safety tips for driving in rainstorms can be found at azdot.gov/monsoon

This article was generated by The Arizona Republic and USA TODAY Network using data released by the National Weather Service. It was edited by a staff member.