Arizona Senate Republicans honored Kyl following news of his death, highlighting both his conservative principles and his reputation for detailed policy work.
“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.”
The statement also expressed sympathy for Kyl’s family.
“Denisse and I join Arizonans in mourning his passing and praying for Caryll, their children and grandchildren, and everyone who knew and loved him.”
Kyl’s political career began in Arizona after years as an attorney. A University of Arizona graduate, he won election to the U.S. House in 1986 and began representing Arizona in 1987. He remained in the House until 1995 before moving to the Senate.
He then represented Arizona in the Senate from 1995 through 2013. During that period, Kyl rose into the upper ranks of Republican leadership and ultimately served as Senate minority whip, making him the party’s second-ranking senator at the time.
But retirement from the Senate did not completely end Kyl’s involvement in Washington.
After McCain died in 2018, then-Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey appointed Kyl to temporarily fill the vacant Senate seat. Kyl returned to the chamber for a brief period before leaving again.
His return came during a particularly consequential moment in Washington. Kyl became closely involved in helping guide the confirmation of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, whom President Donald Trump had selected for the high court.
Kyl’s influence, however, extended well beyond Washington politics.
Water policy became one of the defining issues of his career. Before entering Congress, he had already developed expertise in Arizona water matters, and he later played an important role in negotiations involving water rights and tribal communities.
His work included major water settlements that helped shape Arizona’s long-term approach to managing one of its most valuable and contested resources. The University of Arizona and Arizona State University have both honored his legacy through institutions and programs bearing his name, including the Kyl Center for Water Policy at Arizona State University.
The University of Arizona also recently established the Kyl Institute for National Security, further reflecting his influence on national security policy and his connection to the university.
Kyl formally stepped away from public life in December 2025 after announcing that he had been diagnosed with a neurological disease manifesting as dementia.
At the time, he reflected on his decades of service and expressed confidence in the future despite the personal challenges ahead.
His family said Thursday that Kyl’s life was defined not only by his work in government but also by his devotion to his family, faith and home state.
“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.”
Kyl’s death marks the end of a political career that stretched from the Reagan era through the Trump administration and included major battles over national security, judicial appointments, taxation, immigration and Western water policy.
Memorial service details are expected to be announced by his family at a later date.
