PHOENIX (AP) — Former Republican U.S. Senator Jon Kyl of Arizona announced his decision to step back from public life following a diagnosis of dementia. At 83 years old, Kyl has represented Arizona in both chambers of Congress for nearly three decades, with significant tenure in the Senate including a role as minority whip.
In a heartfelt statement, Kyl expressed, “My family and I now head down a path filled with moments of joy and increasing difficulties. I am grateful beyond expression for their love and support, in these coming days as in all the days of my life. Despite this diagnosis, I remain a very fortunate man.”
Kyl concluded his Senate career in 2013, transitioning to the lobbying firm Covington and Burling. He was later appointed in 2018 by then-Governor Doug Ducey to fill the vacancy left by the late Senator John McCain, serving for several months before returning to lobbying.
Sarah Porter of Arizona State University noted that Kyl utilized his water policy expertise in Congress to secure tribal water rights settlements, calling him an “important participant” in the development of Arizona’s water regulations at the Kyl Center for Water Policy, named in his honor.
During his time as a lobbyist, Kyl also played a critical role in the confirmation of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
