PHOENIX — Democratic U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona announced support from multiple Republican mayors and business owners ahead of an election that could tilt the balance of power in November.

Kelly announced a coalition known as “Republicans for Kelly” as he prepares to take on whoever wins the Republican primary election set to take place on Aug. 2.

The coalition is made up of nearly 50 Republicans and independents across Arizona who have put their support behind the state’s junior senator.

“I’m grateful to have the support of so many elected officials, small business owners and community leaders across our state,” Kelly said in a press release. “I’m focused on representing Arizonans – all Arizonans – and I’ll keep working with Republicans and Democrats to support hardworking families and get our economy back on track.

“Arizonans are facing real challenges right now, and we need to put our state ahead of party politics. I’m proud of the diverse, growing coalition of folks supporting this campaign and propelling us forward towards November.”

Among those who have backed the Democrat are mayors John Giles (Mesa), David Ortega (Scottsdale), Micah Powell (Eloy), Cathy Carlat (Peoria), Craig McFarland (Casa Grande), John Leech (Show Low), Karen Bond (Parker) and Jack Dillenberg (Jerome).

“I have enjoyed working with Senator Kelly – it’s clear he cares about Arizonans and what matters to them,” Giles said in the release.

“He has engaged with the City of Mesa in multiple ways, helping revitalize our downtown with needed federal investments being just one of them. I appreciate his constant desire to serve the people he represents in Washington, and that’s why I am proud to support him for reelection.”

Kelly has also received support from Paul Charlton, former U.S. attorney under President George W. Bush.; Uday Dalvi, DataWorks CEO; former state Reps. Pete Hershberger and Roberta Voss; former state Sen. Diane McCarthy and former mayor of Phoenix Paul Johnson.

The Democrat will go up against either political newcomer Blake Masters, businessman Jim Lamon, Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich or former Arizona National Guard leader Maj. Gen. Michael McGuire in the Nov. 8 general election.

Kelly is serving the remainder of the late Sen. John McCain’s term after beating Martha McSally for the seat in 2020.

Whoever wins will head to Washington, D.C., where Democrats hold a slight majority in the Senate, along with the House, to control both chambers of Congress and the presidency.

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