Former U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona has died. He was 84. The news came Wednesday night from his family. They said he passed away after a battle with a neurological disorder. This is the end of a long career for a man who shaped water policy in the West. Brett Kavanaugh's Supreme Court confirmation was also guided by him. Serving in both chambers, Kyl spent almost three decades in Congress. His work spanned from the Reagan years to the first term of Donald Trump.
Former Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey remembered him as a true "workhorse" among Washington's "showhorses." Ducey spoke to The Associated Press in February 2025. He shared a story about seeing Kyl on a plane. "If you saw him on the plane, he was sitting in the aisle, in coach, and he was reading," Ducey said, according to ABC News. He added that Kyl was reading "potential bills or Senate business." That was his life. No first-class seats. No time off.
Very saddened by the loss Senator Kyl. He was a true statesman, mentor to so many and a giant in Arizona and our country. His service to AZ and our country will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are w/his family.https://t.co/BVY4EvEO1o
— Rep. Paul Gosar, DDS (@RepGosar) September 17, 2026
Kyl retired from politics in 2013. He became a lobbyist. But he came back briefly in 2018. Ducey appointed him to fill the seat left by the late Sen. John McCain. Trump praised the move, saying he looked forward to working with "the extraordinary senator." Kyl stayed for less than four months. He then rejoined the lobbying firm Covington and Burling.
In December 2025, Kyl announced he was stepping away. He said he had been diagnosed with dementia. "I was blessed to represent the people of Arizona in Congress," Kyl said at the time, according to Breitbart. He observed that a neurological disease presenting as dementia has arrived, marking the moment he must step back from public life. His family confirmed he died of complications from that same disease.
Arizona has lost a true statesman.
For nearly three decades, Jon Kyl served our state with integrity, intellect, and a deep love of country, from securing our water future to defending the Constitution.
Rebecca and I are praying for the Kyl family. https://t.co/24Xb46lqu5
— Jay Feely (@jayfeely) September 17, 2026
His family released a statement on Thursday. They said he led a "full and meaningful public life" They noted he "belonged to all of Arizona." They also thanked him for his family life "guided by his faith." They said he has "joined his beloved Creator, Jesus Christ." Other leaders spoke out too. Jay Feely, a former NFL kicker and candidate, called him a "true statesman." He said Kyl served with "integrity, intellect, and a deep love of country." Feely noted he was "securing our water future." Rep. Greg Stanton, a Democrat, called him a "serious and principled lawmaker.Stanton remarked that his fingerprints remain evident on the issues continuing to shape Arizona's future, particularly water.
Kyl once told Justice Sandra Day O'Connor that his best work was stopping bad things. "At the federal level," he said, "probably a lot of my better achievements were in preventing bad things from happening (rather) than forcing good things to happen He knew the job well. He knew the cost. He paid it in full.