PHOENIX (AP) — Former Republican U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona announced his withdrawal from public life following a dementia diagnosis. At 83, Kyl has spent nearly three decades in Congress, with most of his tenure in the Senate, including a term as minority whip. In a statement, Kyl reflected on the journey ahead, stating, 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. Despite this diagnosis, I remain a very fortunate man.
Kyl left the Senate in 2013 and joined the lobbying firm Covington and Burling. In 2018, he was appointed by then-Gov. Doug Ducey to fill the vacancy left by the late Sen. John McCain, serving briefly before returning to his lobbying career.
Sarah Porter from Arizona State University noted Kyl's contributions to water policy in Congress, where he played an important role in approving tribal water rights settlements and helped negotiate Arizona's water rules, which are supported by the Kyl Center for Water Policy named in his honor. Kyl was also involved in the confirmation of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh as a lobbyist.}
Kyl left the Senate in 2013 and joined the lobbying firm Covington and Burling. In 2018, he was appointed by then-Gov. Doug Ducey to fill the vacancy left by the late Sen. John McCain, serving briefly before returning to his lobbying career.
Sarah Porter from Arizona State University noted Kyl's contributions to water policy in Congress, where he played an important role in approving tribal water rights settlements and helped negotiate Arizona's water rules, which are supported by the Kyl Center for Water Policy named in his honor. Kyl was also involved in the confirmation of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh as a lobbyist.}
