https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/mark-kelly-becomes-4th-astronaut-elected-to-congress1/ > Mark Kelly has won a seat in the U.S. Senate, making him only the fourth NASA astronaut to be elected to Congress. > Kelly, who launched four times into space before pursuing a career in politics, was successful in his bid to represent the state of Arizona in the U.S. Senate. Kelly, a Democrat, ran against incumbent Martha McSally, a Republican and former U.S. Air Force combat pilot. The special election was held to complete the six-year term of Senator John McCain, who died in 2018 (McSally was temporarily appointed by Arizona's governor after McCain's death).