Gila Herald Staff Reports
PHOENIX — Former United States Senator Jon Kyl, a stalwart Republican who served Arizona in both chambers of Congress for nearly three decades, died Thursday at age 84.
Kyl’s family confirmed his passing, stating he died from complications related to a neurological disease following a battle with dementia.
“We know that Jon belonged to all of Arizona, a state he loved and explored with vigor, curiosity, and wonder,” his family said in a statement. “Serving his state and nation in Congress was a privilege and responsibility he honored and respected.”
A Career Defined by Policy and Leadership
Born in Nebraska in 1942, Kyl earned both his bachelor’s and law degrees from the University of Arizona before launching a prominent legal and political career in the state.
He was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1986, representing Arizona’s 4th Congressional District until 1995. Kyl then won election to the U.S. Senate, serving alongside the late Sen. John McCain. During his long tenure in the Senate, Kyl earned a reputation as a conservative consensus-builder and policy strategist, eventually rising to become the Senate Minority Whip—the second-highest-ranking Republican in the chamber.
Kyl was widely recognized for his work on Arizona water policy, national defense, crime victims’ rights, and judicial appointments. He retired from the Senate in 2013, but briefly returned to public service in September 2018 when former Arizona Governor Doug Ducey appointed him to fill McCain’s vacated seat.
Tributes Flow In Across Arizona
Leaders from across the state expressed their condolences following the announcement on Thursday.
“Jon Kyl gave Arizona nearly three decades of principled, thoughtful leadership — and he gave me something just as valuable: his mentorship and friendship,” former Gov. Doug Ducey said in a statement. “I’ll miss him deeply.”
“On behalf of the entire Department of State, I offer my sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of former United States Senator Jon Kyl,” Secretary of State Adrian Fontes said. “During his nearly three decades in Congress, he devoted himself to serving Arizona and its people. He made a lasting contribution through his work on tribal water rights, helping bring stakeholders together and advance important water settlement in Arizona. His dedication to public service and to resolving some of the West’s most complex water challenges is his legacy. Our heartfelt condolences go out to all who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in peace.”
Kyl is survived by his wife, Caryll, and their two children. The family will announce memorial services at a later date.
