Jon Kyl: Former Arizona senator dies at 84

PHOENIX - Former U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl, a longtime Arizona Republican lawmaker, has died at the age of 84. Kyl’s family announced his death Thursday morning in a statement, saying it was the result of complications from a neurological disease.

Statement from Kyl's family

"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."

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

Kyl served in Congress for decades

A University of Arizona alum, Kyl began his Congressional career in 1987, when he won a seat in the House of Representatives. He servedin Arizona's 4th Congressional District until 1995, and then served in the Senate from 1995 until 2013. In his final full term, Kyl's Republican colleagues selected him as minority whip.

 He was later appointed to temporarily fill the seat of Senator John McCain following his death in 2018. In December 2025, he announced his withdrawal from public life after being diagnosed with dementia.

Arizona leaders remember longtime politician

Those who knew Sen. Kyl describe him as a workhorse, one who will be remembered for his contributions to water policy and national security, among many other things.

What they're saying:

"There has been no more committed public servant and no more effective public servant than Jon Kyl in terms of representing Arizona and its interests," said former U.S. Senator Jeff Flake.

"He was always just focused on getting stuff done. He was not about himself. He was not about the spotlight," Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen said.

"The government needs people who are willing to serve a cause greater than their own self-interest. And that personifies Jon. He was not a show horse. He was a workhorse," Flake said.

Initially a lawyer specializing in water issues, Kyl went on to shape landmark water policies in Arizona and beyond during his time in Congress.

"I think he did nine Indian water settlements during his time, which has allowed the Indian tribes in Arizona to have the water they need and also for the state to grow sustainably," Flake said.

That is why the Kyl Center for Water Policy at ASU's Morrison Institute was named after him.

"You can look at all kinds of things that have happened in water, and they have Senator Kyl's fingerprints. I think you could say he was one of the state's top water statesmen," said Sarah Porter, director of the Kyl Center for Water Policy at ASU's Morrison Institute. "He really got into the nitty gritty, very hard work and water policy always entails that kind of detailed, very hard work."

Dig deeper:

His legacy also continues at his alma mater, the University of Arizona, through the Kyl Institute for National Security.

"It fits like a glove, because he dedicated his adult life to our nation's security, both domestically and internationally. And so what a fitting person to name this Institute after," said Gen. Robin Rand, president and CEO of the Kyl Institute for National Security at the University of Arizona. "He was truly a giant of a man, and it is our nation's loss to lose a man of Senator Kyl renowned capabilities."

Big picture view:

Other leaders, as well as other Arizona institutions, have spoken out in reflection of Kyl's life and legacy.

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

Cindy McCain

"I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend Jon Kyl. Jon was a devoted public servant, a principled leader, and a true friend to John and to me.

For decades, Jon served Arizona and our country with integrity, humility, and an unwavering commitment to public service. When Arizona needed him once again following John’s passing, Jon answered the call, a gesture of service and friendship that I will never forget.

My heart is with Caryll, their family, and all those who knew and loved Jon. Arizona has lost one of its finest public servants, and I have lost a cherished friend. He will be deeply missed."

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."

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