Longtime Arizona lawmaker remembered for nearly three decades of public service and work on the state’s water issues
Former U.S. Senator Jon Kyl, who represented Arizona in Congress for nearly three decades, has died at the age of 84.
Kyl died Wednesday night from complications of a neurological disease, according to his family. He had withdrawn from public life in December 2025 after announcing that he had been diagnosed with dementia.
Although Kyl was born in Nebraska, Arizona became his home after he arrived at the University of Arizona at age 18. He earned both his undergraduate and law degrees at the university and met his wife, Caryll, while attending school there.
Kyl entered elected office in 1987, serving four terms in the U.S. House before moving to the Senate in 1995. He served in the Senate until 2013, including a period as Republican minority whip.
One of Kyl’s most significant contributions to Arizona came through his work on water policy. Before entering Congress, he was involved in the development of Arizona’s landmark 1980 groundwater code. Later, as a U.S. senator, he authored legislation supporting a major tribal water-rights settlement involving the Gila River Indian Community.
His work on water policy continued to influence Arizona long after his retirement from the Senate. Arizona State University’s Kyl Center for Water Policy was named in his honor and continues to focus on the state’s complex water challenges.
Kyl returned briefly to the Senate in 2018 after then-Gov. Doug Ducey appointed him to fill the seat left vacant by the death of longtime Arizona Sen. John McCain. Kyl served for several months before stepping down.
Arizona leaders from both parties offered condolences following news of Kyl’s death. Gov. Katie Hobbs described him as a dedicated public servant who cared deeply about Arizona, while former Gov. Ducey, who regarded Kyl as a mentor, remembered him as a longtime statesman and friend.
In a statement announcing his death, Kyl’s family said he loved Arizona and regarded his service to the state and nation as both a privilege and a responsibility.
“Serving his state and nation in Congress was a privilege and responsibility he honored and respected,” the family said.
Memorial services will be announced at a later date.
