Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ), a former Navy combat pilot and astronaut, has garnered an unexpected endorsement from his ex-wife, Amelia Babis Kelly.

Despite their rocky past, which includes an attempted jailing, Amelia expressed strong support for Kelly's political aspirations, suggesting that he would be a better fit for the presidential ticket than Vice President Kamala Harris, as the Daily Mail reports.

Kelly, 60, now known for his role as a lawmaker from Arizona, has become a key figure under consideration for the position of Harris' running mate. Other notable names vying for this spot include Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

A Storied Past and Complex Relationship

Mark Kelly and Amelia Babis Kelly's relationship began in 1989 when they married and subsequently had two daughters, Claire, now 27, and Claudia, now 29. The couple faced considerable turmoil leading to their divorce, which was finalized in October 2004 after Amelia filed for dissolution in July of that year. Their legal struggles spanned a decade, resolving only in January 2014.

In 2010, Kelly attempted to have Amelia jailed for relocating without informing him, though he later retracted this request. The details of their contentious divorce surfaced during Kelly's 2020 Senate campaign, casting a spotlight on their past.

The 2020 Senate Campaign and Sealing Records

During his 2020 Senate campaign, the intricate details of Kelly's previous marriage were brought to public attention, creating waves in both political and personal realms. In January 2022, both Kelly and Amelia filed to have their divorce records sealed, a motion that was approved by the judge, aiming to keep the specifics of their disputes private.

Amelia, despite her history as a registered Republican since 2004, offered her endorsement of Kelly, stressing his potential to bridge the gap between partisan sides. "We worked out a legal matter and that’s fine. I would support his decision to run," she stated.

Ex-Wife's Opinions on Potential Presidential Candidates

Amelia's support stems from her belief in Kelly's military credentials and bipartisan appeal, as opposed to Kamala Harris's legal background. "Mark has friends on both sides of the aisle and I think he’s someone who can bridge the two sides and bring an end to all the hatred and ugliness," Amelia reflected. She further suggested that Kelly and Harris could potentially work as a team, leveraging their diverse experiences.

Amelia’s reflections weren’t just professional. She admitted a personal preference, expressing that she would prefer a political ticket without Harris. Amelia’s critique of Harris extended to the performance as vice president under Joe Biden, stating, "I don’t see what use she was to Joe Biden and I’m not sure she would be very useful as president."

Reevaluating Endorsement Amidst Previous Controversies

Despite the tumult of their marital past, Amelia’s endorsement of Kelly highlights a complex evolution of their relationship.

She acknowledged that while they are not emotionally close, they maintain a functional partnership for their family. "We're not like besties and hanging out and chit chatting all the time.

But we do come together when it comes to our granddaughter and our kids," she clarified.

Personal Resolutions and Family Dynamics

Amelia underscored Kelly's role as a dedicated father, countering any misconceptions that might arise from their divorce. "Mark is a great dad. People tend to jump to the conclusion that you’re going to trash a person just because you're divorced," Amelia remarked, emphasizing that a failed marriage does not equate to poor character on either side.

Amelia’s reflection extends beyond personal and into national interest, reflecting her hopes for unity in a divisive political landscape. "I love my kids, my family and our country. I hope the best person wins and that people can get behind whoever wins and support them. Nothing gets done when people are arguing," she expressed.

Conclusion

In summary, Sen. Mark Kelly's current rumored political pursuit is marked by a significant endorsement from his ex-wife, Amelia Babis Kelly, despite their turbulent history.

While Kelly’s personal and legal past with Amelia was fraught with conflict, their combined efforts to seal their divorce records and Amelia's subsequent public support indicate a complex but collaborative relationship.

Amelia's belief in Kelly’s capability to unify and lead emerges strongly, contrasting her views on Kamala Harris’s political contributions.

This endorsement highlights how personal history and professional potential can intersect in the political arena, providing an intriguing backdrop to Kelly's consideration for the vice presidency.