Senator Mark Kelly’s recent announcement that he will vote in favor of the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act signals a significant pivot in his political stance, potentially influencing the 2024 vice-presidential race. The Arizona Democrat’s support comes amid speculation about his potential selection as Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate.
Kelly, a former astronaut and Navy pilot, who entered the Senate in 2020, has faced mounting pressure from labor unions to back the PRO Act, a legislation designed to strengthen workers' rights. His previous hesitancy to endorse the bill had raised concerns among labor leaders and cast doubt on his viability as a vice-presidential candidate.
“Why would the Democrats even consider a senator for the vice presidency if he doesn’t support the PRO Act?” questioned John Samuelsen, president of the Transport Workers Union, speaking to ABC News. This sentiment echoes the worries of many union leaders who see the PRO Act as essential for protecting workers' rights, particularly in an era of increasing economic inequality.
On Wednesday, however, Kelly declared his unequivocal support for the bill. “I would have voted for it on Day 1,” he stated. “I would vote for it today.” He emphasized his ongoing efforts to refine the legislation since taking office, but maintained his commitment to vote for it if it reached the Senate floor.
Kelly's stance is particularly crucial given the context of his state, Arizona, a key battleground in presidential elections. Larry Cohen, former president of the Communications Workers of America, highlighted Arizona’s importance in national elections, noting that Kelly's support could sway crucial votes. “The number one goal is beating [Donald] Trump,” Cohen told ABC News, suggesting that a strong pro-labor stance could boost the Democratic ticket.
The PRO Act, also known as the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act, aims to overhaul current labor laws, making it easier for workers to form unions and engage in collective bargaining. Key provisions include stricter penalties for companies that violate labor laws, protections for workers involved in strikes, and the nullification of state right-to-work laws, which critics argue reduce union power.
Despite his recent endorsement, Kelly’s history with the Act is complex. He previously voiced concerns about extending collective bargaining rights to independent contractors, a provision fiercely opposed by many business groups. His spokesperson, Jacob Peters, confirmed to ABC News that Kelly’s support for the overall goals of the bill had been consistent, albeit with reservations on specific aspects.
In the 2022 election cycle, Kelly received endorsements from labor groups like the Arizona AFL-CIO and the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, despite his initial hesitancy to fully back the PRO Act. These endorsements indicate a degree of confidence in his broader commitment to labor issues, even if his stance on specific legislation has been less clear-cut.
Kelly’s recently stated support has not come without skepticism. Richard Bensinger, former organizing director at the AFL-CIO, criticized Kelly on social media, highlighting that only three Senate Democrats have refrained from co-sponsoring the PRO Act, Kelly being one of them. These criticisms underscore ongoing doubts within the labor community about his commitment to workers' rights.
Nevertheless, Kelly's union roots run deep. Speaking to the Washington Examiner, he recounted how his mother, a police officer, benefitted from union support when she was injured. “I see the value of unions, and I come from a union family,” he said, emphasizing his personal connection to labor issues.
The endorsement by the Arizona Democratic Party further strengthens Kelly’s position. State party Chairwoman Yolanda Bejarano expressed confidence in Kelly and Harris as a winning team for the upcoming election. “The path to the White House runs through Arizona, and we are confident that with Kamala Harris and Mark Kelly at the top of the ticket, Democrats will win in November,” she stated.
As the vice-presidential vetting process unfolds, the union-backed push for pro-labor policies like the PRO Act could become a definitive factor in Kelly’s political future. His recent public endorsement of the bill is a strategic move that aligns him more closely with the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, securing crucial support from labor unions.
Kelly’s shift towards a pro-labor stance mirrors a broader trend within the Democratic Party, where union support is increasingly seen as crucial for electoral success. This development highlights the evolving dynamics within the party, where candidates must navigate complex issues to appeal to both progressive activists and broader voter bases.
With the 2024 elections approaching, Kelly’s commitment to the PRO Act could have far-reaching implications, shaping his political trajectory and influencing the broader Democratic strategy. As Cohen noted, the primary criterion for selecting a running mate is their ability to “move the needle” in swing states. Arizona remains a pivotal battleground, and Kelly’s pro-labor shift could be a decisive factor in the race.
Will Kelly’s newfound support for the PRO Act convince skeptical union leaders and voters, or will doubts about his commitment linger? As the political landscape evolves, only time will tell the full impact of his stance on the upcoming elections.
In Kelly's words, reflected in his firm declaration of support: “For that reason, and also because unions are so important to working everyday people, I’ve always supported the PRO Act.”
