Donald Trump

Arizona Democrat Mark Kelly Sworn Into Senate, Cutting Into GOP Majority

Former astronaut Mark Kelly attends his swearing-in ceremony as Democratic U.S. senator for Arizona as his wife Gabby Giffords, former U.S. Representative from Arizona, listens in Washington D.C., December 2, 2020.
Nicholas Kamm | Pool | Reuters
  • Arizona Democrat Mark Kelly was sworn into the Senate on Wednesday.
  • As Kelly takes office after defeating Republican Martha McSally in the 2020 election, the GOP's majority in the chamber falls to 52-48.
  • Two Senate runoff elections in Georgia will determine control of the chamber for the next two years.

Arizona Democrat Mark Kelly was sworn into the Senate on Wednesday, cutting into the Republican majority in the chamber.

The GOP's edge in the Senate falls to 52-48 as Kelly takes office.

The 56-year-old senator and former astronaut defeated Republican Sen. Martha McSally by more than 2 percentage points in last month's election. He will serve the rest of the late Republican John McCain's term through 2022, when he will face reelection.

"Arizona trusted me with an important job, and I'm ready to get to work," Kelly tweeted before his swearing in.

Vice President Mike Pence, whose boss, President Donald Trump, is still making unfounded allegations that systemic fraud cost him the 2020 election in states including Arizona, swore Kelly in on the Senate floor Wednesday. Former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, a gun safety advocate and Kelly's wife, accompanied him to the Capitol.

In the short term, Kelly's presence in the Senate makes some matters more difficult for the Republican majority. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell may not again attempt to confirm Judy Shelton to the Federal Reserve, as Kelly could join his party and three Republicans to sink her nomination.

Two Senate runoff elections in Georgia next month will now determine which party holds the Senate for the next two years. The GOP only needs to win one more seat to secure a majority and more influence over President-elect Joe Biden's Cabinet and legislative agenda.

If Democrats win both Georgia races, it would bring the chamber to a 50-50 split. Vice President-elect Kamala Harris would hold the tiebreaking vote.

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