Former Navy combat pilot Mark Kelly might have a unique endorsement as a potential Democratic vice-presidential candidate, namely, that of his ex-wife, Amelia Babis Kelly.

Babis Kelly has put her contentious past with Mark Kelly -- which includes his attempt to put her in jail -- behind her to publicly support him, believing he would make a better presidential candidate than Kamala Harris.

Mark Kelly, at 60 years old, is considered to be a strong potential pick for the Democratic vice-presidential nomination.

Despite a bitter history, his ex-wife, 56-year-old Amelia Babis Kelly, has voiced her endorsement of him. Kelly and Babis went through a decade-long divorce characterized by contentious child custody battles, which finally ended in 2004. Their disputes continued until 2014.

Contentious Past and Legal Battles

In 2010, Kelly even petitioned a Texas court to have Amelia jailed for six months for relocating without informing him.

This significant move, however, has not deterred Amelia from supporting her ex-husband’s political aspirations today. Their relationship has certainly evolved over the years, and both sides seem to have moved beyond their legal battles.

Amelia has acknowledged the legal disputes but has commented on their resolution stating, “We worked out a legal matter and that’s fine. I would support his decision to run.”

Amelia emphasized that although they are not best friends, they do maintain a cordial relationship for the sake of their daughters and granddaughter.

Remarks on Political Prospects

Mark Kelly's remarriage to former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords in 2007 adds another dimension to his public image. His military career is seen as an asset that could attract Arizona voters and complement Kamala Harris’ background in law. Democratic strategists agree that Kelly's experience and connections could enhance the ticket.

Amelia's endorsement goes beyond personal affinity. She has expressed doubts about Harris’ effectiveness, saying, “I don’t see what use she was to Joe Biden, and I’m not sure she would be very useful as president.” Amelia has also highlighted Kelly’s military expertise and bipartisan friendships as factors that could make him a more appealing candidate.

She stated, “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. He would be a good vice president or president.” This endorsement is significant given Amelia's political background as a registered Republican since 2004; she, however, did not clarify whether she would vote for a Harris-Kelly ticket.

Family Dynamics and Ongoing Cooperation

The couple’s daughters, Claire and Claudia, are now 27 and 29, respectively. Amelia has praised Kelly as a great father, rebuffing assumptions that their divorce would have led to animosity. She remarked, “People tend to jump to the conclusion that you’re going to trash a person just because you're divorced,” emphasizing that their failed marriage does not make either of them bad people.

The families maintain interaction primarily through their children and granddaughter, suggesting a compartmentalized yet functional relationship. Despite past differences, their joint motion in 2022 to seal their divorce records signifies a willingness to keep some matters private while moving forward amicably.

Amelia's View on Election and Future Leadership

Amelia has also expressed her belief in supporting whoever emerges victorious in the election, encapsulating her patriotism and hope for unity. “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 remarked.

Her comments reflect a broader sentiment of national unity above partisan bickering, a message that aligns with the potential role of Mark Kelly as a unifying candidate in the politically divided arena.

Conclusion

To summarize, Mark Kelly, a leading contender for the Democratic vice-presidential nomination, has received a noteworthy endorsement from his ex-wife Amelia Babis Kelly.

Despite a turbulent past marked by legal disputes and a decade-long custody battle, Amelia places her support behind Kelly, valuing his political savvy, military expertise, and ability to bridge political divides over Kamala Harris’ legal background.

Amelia’s endorsement, shaped by personal experience and political assessment, helps bolster Kelly’s public image as a family man and a potentially unifying figure in American politics.