Jon Kyl: Former Arizona senator dies at 84

PHOENIX - Longtime Arizona Senator Jon Kyl has died. He was 84 years old.

Memorial services for Kyl will be announced at a later date, his family said.

Statement from Jon Kyl's family

What they're saying:

"Our husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother, Jon Kyl, has passed away at the age of 84 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.

We are grateful, too, for his full and meaningful family life, guided by his faith and endowed with honor, warmth, and love.  We cherish his presence in our lives and are thankful he has joined his beloved Creator, Jesus Christ."

Arizona Senate Republicans

"Arizona has lost one of its finest statesmen. Jon Kyl combined conservative conviction with an extraordinary command of policy and a deep respect for public service. He approached every issue with discipline, understood the details, and never lost sight of the people he represented.

His leadership strengthened America's national defense, protected taxpayers, advanced conservative policies, and helped secure Arizona's water future. Whether he was negotiating complex water agreements or helping guide our nation's security policy, Senator Kyl brought credibility, good judgment, and a determination to deliver results. He earned the respect of people across the political spectrum without compromising his principles.

Just as important, Senator Kyl understood that public service is about more than holding office. It is about protecting the country, solving difficult problems, and leaving the next generation stronger than the one before it. He set an example that my colleagues and I continue to look to in our own service to Arizona.
"Denisse and I join Arizonans in mourning his passing and praying for Caryll, their children and grandchildren, and everyone who knew and loved him."

University of Arizona

Senate Majority Leader John Thune

Governor Katie Hobbs

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego

"So much of Jon Kyl’s life work was about protecting Arizona’s water—an important legacy that we all benefit from, and continue to be grateful for. On behalf of a grateful city, I offer my condolences to the entire Kyl family."

Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell

"Devastating news.  Senator Kyl was, in the truest sense of the word, a statesman.  In addition to his many, many accomplishments, some do not know the efforts he extended to help children and other victims of sex crimes by championing evidence rule changes which continue to have an incredibly positive impact.  My prayers go out to his family."

Secretary of State Adrian Fontes

Rep. Andy Biggs

"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."

Rep. Greg Stanton

"Jon Kyl served Arizona honorably for more than three decades. He was a serious and principled lawmaker, with a mastery of policy that made him one of the most effective leaders our state has ever sent to Washington. His fingerprints are all over the issues that continue to define Arizona's future, especially water. I'm thinking of his wife Caryll, his loved ones, former staff and colleagues today."

Rep. Juan Ciscomani

Rep. David Schweikert

Rep. Paul Gosar

"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."

Congressman Abe Hamadeh

""I join my fellow Arizonans in offering condolences on the passing of former Senator Jon Kyl. He served Arizona in Congress for many years and took part in some of the most difficult debates of his time. Jon once said that "real leadership means tackling tough problems ourselves and not leaving them to our children." That is a standard worth remembering as we mark his passing and keep his family in our thoughts."

Kevin Thompson

Kimberly Yee

Jay Feely

"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."

Shawnna Bolick

Jeff Flake

"Arizona has lost a giant. Jon Kyl was one of the most diligent and effective public servants Arizona has ever had. I was honored to follow him in the U.S. Senate, where his example of seriousness, integrity and devotion to public service was known to all. Cheryl and I send our deepest condolences to Caryll and the entire Kyl family."

Doug Ducey

"Jon Kyl gave Arizona nearly three decades of principled, thoughtful leadership — and he gave me something just as valuable: his mentorship and friendship. I'll miss him deeply. Rest in peace, Senator Kyl."

Jan Brewer

Meghan McCain

"I am so utterly, deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Senator Kyl. There are not enough words to explain what a true statesman and political giant he was in Arizona and our country.

Some of my earliest, fondest memories in politics are experiences with Senator Kyle and my Dad. At local parades, community events, and campaigning across the state. In many ways they were opposite in tone and personality - but always friends and brothers on the Senate floor. I am forever personally grateful to have spent time around him.

Senator Kyle’s service and legacy in Arizona and America will never be forgotten. My entire family sends their deepest condolences, prayer and love to his family. Rest in peace to a true lion of Arizona."

The backstory:

In December 2025, Jon Kyl, former Arizona congressman and senator announced his withdrawal from public life after being diagnosed with dementia.

Kyl was a University of Arizona alum. He served Arizona's 4th District in Congress from 1987 to 1995, then served in the Senate from 1995 until 2013.

He was later appointed to temporarily fill the seat of Senator John McCain following his death in 2018.

Kyl was a key player in securing water rights for Arizona, and the Kyl Center for Water Policy at Arizona State University is named after him.

Kyl started his Congressional career in 1987, when he won a seat in the House of Representatives. In 1994, he was elected to the Senate and eventually became an influential Republican leader of the era.

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