Key facts
- Former US Senator Jon Kyl of Arizona died at 84.
- Kyl was known for his role in keeping the Republican caucus together in opposition to Obamacare.
- He guided Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh through his confirmation hearing.
- Kyl authored legislation in 2004 that provided a major tribal water rights settlement for the Gila River Indian Community.
- Arizona State University's Kyl Center for Water Policy is named after him.
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.'