Former U.S. Senator and Congressman Jon Kyl died Wednesday evening in Phoenix, his family announced today. He was 84.
Kyl served in Congress for almost three decades. He first served in the House of Representatives from 1987 to 1995. Kyl served in the U.S. Senate until 2013. He was then appointed to fill out the term of Sen. John McCain following his death in 2018.
KJZZ reported that in a statement the family said Kyl died due to complications from a neurological disease.
"We know that Jon belonged to all of Arizona, a state he loved and explored with vigor, curiosity and wonder. Serving his state and nation in Congress was a privilege and responsibility he honored and respected. We are grateful for his full and meaningful public life," his family said in a statement early this morning.
Memorial services will be announced later.
Sen. Kyl was the keynote speaker at the Yuma GOP Lincoln Day dinner in 2022, according to Yuma Republican political campaign strategist Tanya Wright. Stay tuned to KAWC for more reaction from Yuma and state officials.
In a released statement, U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly said "Gabby and I are thinking of Caryll and the Kyl family today. Jon served Arizona with distinction for nearly three decades. His landmark work securing historic tribal water settlements defined this state in ways that will last long after his passing. He was a true public servant who loved this state. Jon's legacy will endure."
Gov. Katie Hobbs said in a released statement "Arizonans are mourning the loss of former U.S. Senator Jon Kyl. Throughout his decades of public service in the House and Senate, he was a dedicated statesman who always cared deeply for our state. My thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family and loved ones."
On X, Republican Congressman Andy Biggs, who is challenging Hobbs for the governorship in November said "Senator Jon Kyl was a thoughtful and devout public servant. In his roles as a prosecutor and representing Arizona in Congress, Jon always put people first. He believed in the greatness of our state and the importance of passionately defending our freedoms. I am grateful to have known him and I offer my deep condolences to his family. Arizona will miss him greatly."
The University of Arizona in Tucson announced that Kyl attended the U of A, earning a bachelor's degree in 1964. He graduated from the James E. Rogers College of Law in 1966, where he served as editor-in-chief of the Arizona Law Review.
