Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) is sworn in during a re-enactment by Vice President Mike Pence as Kelly’s wife Gabby Giffords, the former Democratic congresswoman from the Tucson area, holds a family Bible in the old Senate chamber of the U.S. Capitol on December 2, 2020. (Photo by Nicholas Kamm/Senate pool)
The Navajo Nation
Office of the President and Vice President
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 2, 2020
President Nez and Vice President Lizer congratulate new U.S. Senator Mark Kelly
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer congratulate newly-elected U.S. Senator for the state of Arizona, Mark Kelly, who was sworn-in on the Senate floor in Washington D.C. on Wednesday.
“Congratulations to Senator Kelly and his family on this special day. The Navajo Nation looks forward to working together with Senator Kelly and his office in the coming years. I also want to recognize and thank former Senator Martha McSally for her service to the people of Arizona. I am excited to work with Senator Kelly and continuing to build a strong working relationship that benefits the Navajo people and all citizens of Arizona,” said President Nez.
Senator Kelly was elected to office during a special election held on Nov. 3. He will serve the remainder of late Senator John McCain’s term through 2022. Former Senator McSally was appointed to serve until the special election was held.
“We are confident that Senator Kelly will be an advocate for the rural communities of Native Americans in Arizona. I look forward to working with Senator Kelly. Our office will continue to yearn for partnership between two Nations, as the goal is to advance our Native People to be welcomed into the 21st century,” said Vice President Lizer.
President Nez has previously met with Senator Kelly and provided an overview of the Navajo Nation priorities related to the former Bennett Freeze area, water rights, infrastructure development, economic initiatives, and other issues related to the Navajo Nation.
The 56-year-old former NASA astronaut was joined by his wife Gabby Giffords, who is a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and their two daughters for the swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Capitol.