2 years after his death, John McCain honored by family, Arizona politicians
Aug 25, 2020, 10:03 AM | Updated: 12:04 pm
PHOENIX – Two years to the day from his death, longtime U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona was remembered Tuesday by family members and state political leaders from both parties.
McCain, the Republican presidential nominee in 2008, was in his sixth term and 31st year in the U.S. Senate when he died after a yearlong battle with brain cancer at age 81 on Aug. 25, 2018.
His widow, Cindy McCain, tweeted about missing him and maintaining his legacy.
We lost you 2 years ago today. I miss you more than I can say. You always remind me to stay strong, but it’s hard sometimes. I’m not the only one who misses you, this country misses your strength and honor, but we all will do our best to keep you legacy strong. I love you John. pic.twitter.com/DkaXkTAkgq
— Cindy McCain (@cindymccain) August 25, 2020
Daughter Meghan McCain, co-host of “The View,” posted a photo of her and her dad sitting on a bench together in Arizona.
Two years today. 742 days. Miss you every single one. pic.twitter.com/JXYcg0qESE
— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) August 25, 2020
Republican Gov. Doug Ducey honored McCain in a four-tweet thread, calling the former prisoner of war “a beloved statesman and American hero”
Two years ago, Arizona and the world said goodbye to a beloved statesman and American hero — Senator John McCain.
John McCain was a champion for our time. A veteran and true public servant, whose legacy stands alongside that of other Arizona giants like Goldwater and Hayden. 1/ pic.twitter.com/wjD9MqIl14
— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) August 25, 2020
Both of Arizona’s current U.S. senators paid tribute to McCain.
Democrat Kyrsten Sinema, who was elected to the Senate less than three months after McCain’s death, said she missed her friend “dearly.”
Senator John McCain taught us to always assume the best in others, to seek compromise instead of sowing division, and to put country ahead of party. Today, two years after we lost Senator McCain, I miss my friend dearly.
— Kyrsten Sinema (@SenatorSinema) August 25, 2020
Republican Martha McSally said she was “humbled” to be serving in McCain’s seat.
Today we remember the passing of an American hero and great Arizonan: Senator John McCain. He sacrificed so much for our country. I am humbled to serve in his seat, fighting every day for Arizona. His family is in our prayers. pic.twitter.com/XiXmDnC1Nw
— Martha McSally (@SenMcSallyAZ) August 25, 2020
Ducey appointed McSally to the position in December 2018, and she’s currently running against Democrat Mark Kelly to fill out McCain’s term, which runs through 2022.
Republican U.S. Rep. David Schweikert sent his thoughts to the McCain family.
Today marks two years since the passing of Arizona Senator John McCain. We are grateful for his service and send our thoughts to the McCain family today. pic.twitter.com/PTorCOkNgH
— Rep. David Schweikert (@RepDavid) August 25, 2020
Democratic U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton noted McCain’s historic thumbs down vote on the GOP’s 2017 plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act — aka Obamacare.
Two years ago, we lost an American hero, Sen. John McCain. He regularly put partisanship aside to do what he believed was right. Without his courage, the Affordable Care Act would be no more. We’ll continue to honor his memory by carrying on his legacy project, Rio Reimagined.
— Rep. Greg Stanton (@RepGregStanton) August 25, 2020