Arizona political icon John McCain honored, fondly remembered 7 years after his death

PHOENIX – Seven years after John McCain’s death, Arizona political leaders and members of his family are keeping his memory alive.

Gov. Katie Hobbs on Monday proclaimed Aug. 25-31, 2025, as the second annual John McCain Democracy Week.

“His life of service, resilience and devotion to democracy continues to inspire us to defend freedom and uphold the values we share,” the Democratic governor said in a statement.

The proclamation was issued on the seventh anniversary of McCain’s death from brain cancer.

Arizona Democrat Mark Kelly, who like McCain served in the Navy, also paid tribute to the man who held his current U.S. Senate seat for over three decades.

“John defined service, always put country over party and was exactly the kind of leader we need more of in Washington these days. He is missed,” Kelly said in a post on X.

Today marks seven years since John McCain’s passing, a loss not only for Arizona but for our nation. John defined service, always put country over party, and was exactly the kind of leader we need more of in Washington these days. He is missed. pic.twitter.com/pCdwpvMmyV

— Captain Mark Kelly (@CaptMarkKelly) August 25, 2025

Democratic U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego, a Marine veteran, echoed the sentiments.

“Senator John McCain’s devotion to country and state was unmatched. His legacy of service over self still guides us today. Fair winds and following seas, sailor,” Gallego said in a post on X.

Seven years ago, Arizona lost an American hero.

Senator John McCain’s devotion to country and state was unmatched. His legacy of service over self still guides us today.

Fair winds and following seas, sailor.

— Ruben Gallego (@RubenGallego) August 25, 2025

John McCain’s daughter shares memories

McCain, the 2008 Republican presidential nominee, died on Aug. 25, 2018, four days before what would have been his 82nd birthday.

Megan McCain discussed her late father’s impact during an interview with KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Outspoken with Bruce and Gaydos on Monday.

“To have this beloved person who’s still, I think, very much alive in so many different ways in our in our culture and in politics is such a blessing,” she said.

The former co-host of “The View” visited her father’s grave Sunday at the U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery in Maryland.

“It’s still so sad,” she said. “I don’t know when grief gets easier for people. It’s not like I’m sad all the time or anything like that, but … the day and the anniversary will hit you.”

Megan McCain said the thing she misses most about her father is his dark and often self-deprecating sense of humor.

“He did not take himself seriously at all, and I think that’s really what’s missing in politics in general today,” she said. “Imagine JD Vance making fun of himself — like it was never going to happen. And my dad made fun of himself all the time, and he would make jokes that make people uncomfortable.”

She also said she is regularly reminded about the extent of her father’s appeal.

7 years. 💔 pic.twitter.com/f9w8joibFY

— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) August 24, 2025

“I cannot go anywhere in my life or do anything — if it’s like getting a bagel or going to the doctor or going to work, whatever — without someone saying something nice about my dad,” she said.

The kind words come from across the political spectrum, she added.

“It is universal, and it is Democrats and Republicans and everything in between, every race, every age, every everything, and it’s such a gift to have that,” she said. “I have other friends whose parents are politicians, and, to put it lightly, they do not have the same experience.”

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