Senator Mark Kelly Endorses Leela Gray for Florida’s 13th Congressional District

St. Petersburg, FL – Today, Retired Brigadier General and candidate for Congress in Florida’s 13th Congressional District announced the endorsement of U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), a retired Navy combat pilot, NASA astronaut, and one of the most prominent veteran-politicians in the country.

"As a third-generation veteran, service runs through Leela Gray’s blood,” said Kelly. “After 30 years in uniform, Leela isn’t afraid to stand up for what’s right, and she’s ready to take the fight to Washington for the people of Florida 13."

Senator Kelly, who flew 39 combat missions during Operation Desert Storm before commanding four Space Shuttle missions, is backing Gray as part of an effort to elect military veterans to Congress in 2026. Gray, a retired U.S. Army Brigadier General with 30 years of service, would become the first female General ever elected to the United States Congress.

“Senator Kelly cuts through the noise and gets things done for veterans, families, and the country,” said Gray. “He doesn't do it by being the loudest voice in the room. He does it by being the most prepared one. That's the same standard I held myself to for 30 years in uniform, and it's the standard I'll bring to Washington. I'm honored to have his support and ready to earn it."

Kelly joins a growing coalition of leaders that have recognized Gray as the battle-tested leader Florida needs in Congress. The list includes the Florida AFL-CIO, Congresswoman Kathy Castor (FL-14), Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22),  Former State Representative Ben Diamond, Ruth’s List founder Alex Sink, fellow veterans and U.S. Reps. Jason Crow, Pat Ryan, and Ted Lieu, Safety Harbor Mayor Joe Ayoub, EMILY’s List, New Politics, and VoteVets.