Jon Kyl, a Republican former U.S. senator from Arizona, passed away at age 84 following complications from a neurological disease. His family announced his death on Thursday. In December of the previous year, Kyl had disclosed a dementia diagnosis. His family released a statement characterizing him as someone who “belonged to all of Arizona, a state he loved and explored with vigor, curiosity and wonder,” and noting that serving his state and nation in Congress “was a privilege and responsibility he honored and respected.”
Kyl began his political career as an attorney, winning election to the U.S. House in 1986 and subsequently to the Senate in 1994. During his tenure in the chamber, he rose to the position of Republican whip and served three consecutive terms before departing at the beginning of 2013, when his party held the minority. Following his departure from elected office, Kyl worked as a lobbyist and attorney in private practice.
He returned to public prominence in 2018 when Arizona’s Republican governor, Doug Ducey, appointed him to fill the Senate seat vacated by the death of senator John McCain. During this brief appointment, Kyl served for the final three months of the year and cast a vote in favor of confirming Brett Kavanaugh, whom President Donald Trump had nominated to the Supreme Court as a replacement for retiring Justice Anthony Kennedy. Kyl resigned from the seat and was subsequently replaced by Republican Martha McSally.
Following news of his death, Arizona’s Democratic governor Katie Hobbs characterized Kyl as “a dedicated statesman who always cared deeply for our state.” Senate Republican Majority Leader John Thune stated that Kyl “loved his state of Arizona and was a true legislator’s legislator,” adding that “he was an incredibly hard worker and honorably returned to service when his state called.”
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