Mark Kelly offers stellar support to Darren McAuley, Bale Dalton in efforts to flip Florida seats

Two Democrats aiming to flip Florida congressional seats just landed a stellar endorsement.

U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, an Arizona Democrat, threw his support to Bale Dalton’s effort to unseat GOP U.S. Rep. Cory Mills, and to Darren McAuley’s effort to defeat U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis.

Kelly announced his support in a social media event supporting 10 Democrats with military backgrounds who are running for Congress this year.

“Veterans understand what it means to put country before self,” Kelly posted. “These leaders did it during their time in service, and now they’re answering the call again to fight for their communities in Congress. I’m proud to endorse them.”

A retired Navy captain and former astronaut, Kelly has been discussed as a potential candidate for President in 2028. He is also the spouse of gun safety activist Gabby Giffords, a former Congresswoman who survived an assassination attempt.

Dalton was recently named to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s Red to Blue program as he seeks to unseat Mills, a New Smyrna Republican in Florida’s 7th Congressional District. Dalton served 24 years in the Navy and Navy Reserve and previously worked as Chief of Staff for NASA.

“As a former Navy helicopter pilot and chief of staff at NASA, Bale Dalton knows the meaning of service,” Kelly said. “He’s running in FL-07 to put people over politics and deliver results for Florida families who are struggling to get by.”

Dalton welcomed the endorsement.

“Sen. Kelly has served his country honorably for decades — as a Naval aviator, an astronaut, and a fierce advocate for his constituents,” he said. “I’m proud to earn his support, and will keep working to lower the cost of living and retire the most corrupt member of Congress, Cory Mills, in November.”

McAuley, meanwhile, is running in Florida’s 12th Congressional District seeking to challenge 20-year incumbent Bilirakis, a Palm Harbor Republican. The Democratic challenger is a former Veterans Affairs physician and Florida’s State Air Surgeon.

“Darren McAuley is a physician and veteran who has spent his life helping others, including fellow service members and veterans,” Kelly said. “With rising costs hurting Floridians, Darren is running to be the fighter families in FL-12 need.”

McAuley embraced the support of the Senator.

“I’m incredibly proud to have the endorsement of U.S. Senator Mark Kelly,” McAuley said. “Sen. Kelly is a true American patriot who has dedicated his life to serving our country, and it’s an honor to have him standing with us in this fight.”