Former US Senator Jon Kyl of Arizona, a key figure in water rights legislation and Republican party strategy, has died at age 84. His family announced his passing, citing complications from a neurological disease.
Kyl's legislative work, particularly on water rights and his role in key political confirmations, shaped policy and the Republican party's direction during his decades of service.
Former US Senator Jon Kyl of Arizona, a significant figure in shaping water policy and Republican party strategy, has died at the age of 84. His family announced his death on Thursday, citing complications from a neurological disease. Kyl, a Republican, served three terms in the Senate and was known for his legislative work, including authoring a 2004 bill that settled water rights for the Gila River Indian Community. Arizona State University's Kyl Center for Water Policy bears his name. He also played a role in maintaining Republican caucus unity against Obamacare and supported legislation for a U.S.-Mexico border fence. In 2018, Kyl returned to public service to guide Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh through his confirmation process, and was appointed by then-Governor Doug Ducey to fill the seat vacated by Senator John McCain. Arizona's current Governor Katie Hobbs remembered Kyl as a 'dedicated statesman,' and Senate Majority Leader John Thune called him a 'dear friend' and a 'legislator's legislator.'