If Mark Kelly Wins Arizona U.S. Senate Race, He Could Assume Office By Nov. 30

By KJZZ News
Published: Sunday, September 20, 2020 - 10:56am
Updated: Monday, September 21, 2020 - 9:14am

Mark Kelly and Martha McSally
Mark Kelly for Senate, McSally for Senate
Mark Kelly and Martha McSally.

If Arizona Democrat Mark Kelly beats Republican Martha McSally in their upcoming Senate race, he could take office as early as Nov. 30, possibly complicating the path to confirmation for President Donald Trump’s U.S. Supreme Court nominee.

Attorney Mary O’Grady says in a normal election, the newly-elected senator would take over about a month later.

"So if it's running for a new term, then the new term starts Jan. 3. But he’s not running for a new term, and they’re not running for new terms. This is simply filling the vacancy."

The contest is a special election to finish the late Sen. John McCain’s term.

In a statement, Kelly said, when it comes to making a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court, Washington shouldn’t rush that process for political purposes.

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