Kelly Urges Democrats to 'Outwork' GOP Amid Midterm Push

Key points

• Kelly campaigned in Mauldin, South Carolina, on Oct. 2, urging Democrats to 'outwork' Republicans to win the Nov. 3 elections.
• On Oct. 4, Kelly appeared on 'Face the Nation,' stating that voters are frustrated by high costs of living and lack of presidential attention.
• Kelly criticized Trump's $90 payments to seniors and $5,000 checks as a 'payoff' to buy votes, noting the administration cut Medicaid and food benefits.
• He proposed legislation with Sen. Chris Van Hollen to raise taxes on incomes over $1 million and cut taxes for those earning under $160,000.
• Kelly condemned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's 20% cut to generals and admirals, calling it a 'purge' that harms military readiness.
• Kelly supported Senate candidate Annie Andrews in South Carolina and Nancy Lacore in the 1st Congressional District, both of whom are facing tight races.

Background

Kelly has been mentioned as a potential 2028 presidential contender, though he largely avoided discussing presidential politics during his recent South Carolina stop. The Democratic National Committee selected South Carolina as the first-in-the-nation presidential primary for 2028. Kelly's wife, former Rep. Gabby Giffords, accompanied him to events, where they addressed voter turnout challenges in states that typically lean Republican.

How outlets are covering it

CBS News reported Kelly's interview on 'Face the Nation,' where he emphasized the need to win the House or Senate to implement cost-lowering measures. Greenville News and thestate.com highlighted his Oct. 2 event in Mauldin, South Carolina, focusing on his message to 'outwork' the GOP and support local candidates like Annie Andrews. Kelly's comments on Hegseth's military cuts were framed as a pattern of targeting women and Black officers, a claim Hegseth denies. Kelly also criticized the Iran war and tariff policies for raising prices, a stance not explicitly detailed in the secondary sources but central to his CBS interview.

Why it matters

Kelly's campaign efforts reflect the Democratic strategy to counter Trump's financial incentives and military changes by focusing on voter turnout and cost-of-living issues. His criticism of Hegseth's purges highlights concerns over military readiness and leadership, while his legislative proposals aim to address economic inequality. The tight races in states like South Carolina and Kansas indicate the competitive nature of the 2026 midterms.

What to watch

Democrats will continue to focus on voter outreach in swing states ahead of the Nov. 3 elections. Kelly's legislative proposals, including tax changes and ending the Iran war, may gain traction if Democrats win control of the House or Senate. The outcome of races in South Carolina, Kansas, and other swing states will determine the balance of power in Congress and the ability to implement Democratic policies.