Senate Democrats say Mark Kelly would be a 'superb' VP pick. But there's some anxiety.

WASHINGTON — Numerous Democratic senators are heaping praise on Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., as a potential running mate for Vice President Kamala Harris — but the prospect of his seat being vacated is stoking some anxiety.

“He’d be superb,” said Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., the party’s vice presidential nominee in 2016.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said Kelly has “enormous depth and wisdom” as well as “real common sense” and an ability to grasp “very complex” issues quickly.

But some in the party are nervous about the idea of him leaving the Senate, fearing a Republican would win a special election in Arizona to finish his current term that expires in 2028. It's a factor some Democrats say should be weighed since the party has such a small majority and risks losing control of the chamber.

“Kelly has got a lot of appeal as a candidate, but unproven as a national campaigner. And yes, he has a valuable seat,” said a Democratic official who has worked with Harris in the past.

The official added that Harris, who was a senator for four years, could add a different skill set to the ticket by picking a governor, which “might be a good compliment to her.”

Kelly, who sources have confirmed is being vetted by Harris' team, won in Arizona in a 2020 special election, outperforming President Joe Biden that year. He won again in 2022 for a six-year term. If he ascends to the vice presidency, Arizona’s Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs could appoint a successor but it could trigger a special election and put the seat up for grabs before his term ends in 2028.

Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, called Kelly “savvy,” saying he has “the right values” and is “one of the most unflappable people I’ve ever met.” But, he said, protecting his seat is also a