Jesse Kelly is an American conservative radio host, political commentator, former congressional candidate, and United States Marine Corps veteran. An avowed anti-communist, he hosts the nationally syndicated talk radio program The Jesse Kelly Show and the digital television show I'm Right with Jesse Kelly on The First TV. Kelly is known for his blunt commentary on politics, culture, and veteran issues from a right-wing perspective.
Kelly served as an infantry Marine, being deployed to Iraq in 2003 during Operation Iraqi Freedom[5] as part of the Second Persian Gulf War. He achieved non-commissioned officer status and received multiple service awards and commendations.
Kelly received an honorable discharge in 2004 after four years of service. Following his military service, he worked as a project manager in his family's construction business in Arizona.[6]
Political career
Kelly, a member of the Republican Party, ran for Congress in Arizona twice. In 2010, he campaigned for Arizona's 8th congressional district with no prior political experience,[7] winning the Republican primary on August 24[8] but losing the general election to incumbent Democrat Gabrielle Giffords in a close race that required a recount.[9] His platform emphasized economic recovery through free markets, opposition to government spending and the Affordable Care Act, border security including a double-layer fence, support for veterans, and Second Amendment rights.
In 2012, following Giffords' resignation, Kelly ran in the special election for the same district,[10] winning the Republican primary on April 17 but losing the general election on June 12 to Democrat Ron Barber.[11]
Kelly additionally entered the regular 2012 election for Arizona's 2nd congressional district but withdrew before the Republican primary on August 28.[12] After his campaigns, Kelly built a following on social media to continue conservative advocacy.
Media career
Kelly began his radio career in 2018, hosting a one-hour show on KPRC 950 AM in Houston, Texas,[13] which later expanded to two hours. The Jesse Kelly Show debuted in national syndication in April 2020 through Key Networks and was picked up by Premiere Networks in 2021.[14] The three-hour weekday program features political analysis, caller interactions, guest interviews, and cultural commentary from a conservative viewpoint, often incorporating Kelly's military experiences and veteran issues. He has taken to defending the Spanish general Francisco Franco, describing him as "one of the greatest anti-communists to ever exist."[15]
As of 2021, he also hosted the digital TV show I'm Right with Jesse Kelly on The First TV.[16]
A self-described "menu whisperer",[17] Kelly is active on social media, with over 350,000 followers on Twitter (now X) as of 2024, where he shares political commentary. He has appeared as a commentator on major networks and received nominations and awards in the radio industry. He reported live on the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, along with his friends and fellow radio hosts Clay Travis and Buck Sexton.[18] During the Biden presidency, he coined the term "Karine Diversity Hire" for White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, based on speculation as to why she was hired.[19]
Kelly is married to Aubrey Yarbrough, and the couple have two children. He is a practicing Christian and emphasizes values such as patriotism, family, and traditional principles. His hobbies include hunting, fishing, fitness, reading military history, and cooking.
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