Former U.S. Senator Jon Kyl Withdraws from Public Life Amid Dementia Diagnosis

Overview of Jon Kyl’s Career

Former Republican U.S. Senator Jon Kyl of Arizona has announced his withdrawal from public life following a diagnosis of dementia. At 83 years old, Kyl has had a significant career, representing Arizona in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate over nearly three decades. He served as a U.S. Senator for many of those years, including a term as minority whip.

In a statement regarding his condition, Kyl expressed gratitude for the support of his family and reflected on the emotional journey ahead. “My family and I now head down a path filled with moments of joy and increasing difficulties,” Kyl stated. “I am grateful beyond expression for their love and support, in these coming days as in all the days of my life. Despite this diagnosis, I remain a very fortunate man.”

Post-Senate Career and Contributions

Kyl left the Senate in 2013 to join the lobbying firm Covington and Burling. In 2018, he was appointed by then-Governor Doug Ducey to fill the Senate vacancy created by the death of former Senator John McCain. Kyl served in this capacity for several months before returning to his lobbying firm.

His impact on water policy in Arizona has been notable, with contributions that helped secure tribal water rights settlements. Sarah Porter, director of the Kyl Center for Water Policy at Arizona State University, highlighted Kyl’s role in the negotiations that shaped the state’s water regulations. Furthermore, Kyl played a key role as a lobbyist in the confirmation of U.S. Supreme Court Juststart Brett Kavanaugh.

As Kyl steps away from public engagement, his legacy in Arizona’s political landscape remains significant, particularly in the realms of water policy and legislative negotiation.