Arizona politicians across the aisle honor Jon Kyl, a political giant who shaped the state for decades

The country knew Jon Kyl as a political heavyweight. Arizonans knew him as one of their own.

The Republican represented Arizona in Congress for nearly three decades, first in the U.S. House and later in the Senate. Time Magazine also named Kyl one of the world’s 100 most influential people in 2010.

Kyl’s family announced his death Thursday, saying, “We know Jon belonged to all of Arizona, a state he loved with vigor.”

Following the news, Republicans and Democrats shared photos, personal stories and tributes honoring Kyl’s character, conservative legacy and decades of public service.

Republicans honor the life of Jon Kyl

“He was known as a master negotiator,” said Republican U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani on KTAR News 92.3 FM’s The Mike Broomhead Show. “It’s a huge loss, not only for the state and his family, of course, but for the country.”

In 2018, then-Gov. Doug Ducey appointed him to fill the seat held by the late Sen. John McCain. Ducey said he would miss Kyl deeply.

“Jon Kyl gave Arizona nearly three decades of principled, thoughtful leadership — and he gave me something just as valuable: his mentorship and friendship,” Ducey said in his social media post.

State Treasurer Kimberly Yee shared a photo she took with Kyl, saying he was a man of integrity who dedicated his life to public service.

U.S. Senator Jon Kyl was a man of integrity who dedicated his life to public service and the State of Arizona. May God grant comfort and peace to the Kyl family as we remember his remarkable life. pic.twitter.com/Q1gSYIrdNT

— Kimberly Yee (@KimberlyYeeAZ) September 17, 2026

Another person who shared a photo of the late Congressman was Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan, who described Kyl as a leader who served with integrity and dignity.

Arizona has lost a true statesman and dedicated public servant.

I am saddened to learn of the passing of former U.S. Senator Jon Kyl. For nearly three decades, Senator Kyl served the people of Arizona in Congress with integrity, dignity and a deep commitment to our state and our… pic.twitter.com/H0e7vAIXJV

— Sheriff Jerry Sheridan (@JerrySheridan24) September 17, 2026

“His decades of public service leave a lasting legacy, and Arizona is better because of his dedication,” Sheridan said in a social media post. “May God comfort the Kyl family during this difficult time, and may Sen. Kyl rest in peace.”

Senate President Warren Petersen reflects on Jon Kyl’s accomplishments

Senate President Warren Petersen, a Republican, wanted to ensure Arizonans remember how much Kyl accomplished, not just for the state, but for the country at large.

“His leadership strengthened America’s national defense, protected taxpayers, advanced conservative policies, and helped secure Arizona’s water future,” Petersen said. “He set an example that my colleagues and I continue to look to in our own service to Arizona.”

Additionally, the Arizona Senate Democrats said Kyl will be remembered for his commitment to service and for “making Arizona’s water policy and water rights a lasting priority.”

His impact on water policy was so far-reaching that Arizona State University honored him by naming the Kyl Center for Water Policy after him in 2014.

Arizona Democrats honor his impact on water policy

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, a Democrat, also pointed to Kyl’s long-lasting impact on water policy.

So much of Jon Kyl’s life work was about protecting Arizona’s water — an important legacy that we all benefit from, and continue to be grateful for. On behalf of a grateful city, I offer my condolences to the entire Kyl family. https://t.co/hdtThLmGJ2

— Mayor Kate Gallego (@MayorGallego) September 17, 2026

Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, also a Democrat, celebrated Kyl for making a lasting contribution through his work on tribal rights and advancing an important water settlement.

“His dedication to public service and to resolving some of the west’s most complex water challenges is his legacy,” Fontes said on social media.

Other Democrats who honored Kyl’s memory were U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton and Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes.

Jon Kyl served Arizona honorably for more than three decades. He was a serious and principled lawmaker, with a mastery of policy that made him one of the most effective leaders our state has ever sent to Washington. His fingerprints are all over the issues that continue to define… https://t.co/C6zUfIlUbL

— Rep. Greg Stanton (@RepGregStanton) September 17, 2026

Jon Kyl was a giant in Arizona politics and an extraordinary lawyer. He always stood up for Arizona’s interests in his decades long career in public service. He will be missed. My prayers are with his family and loved ones. https://t.co/WU9SNQXfaa

— AZ Attorney General Kris Mayes (@AZAGMayes) September 17, 2026

U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego also spoke warmly of Kyl.

“He never wavered in the fight for Arizona’s water future, including securing one our country’s largest tribal water rights settlements,” Gallego said. “May he rest in peace.”

Governor candidates Andy Biggs, Katie Hobbs remember Jon Kyl

Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs gave her deepest condolences to his loved ones.

“Arizonans are mourning the loss of former U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl,” Hobbs said. “Throughout his decades of public service in the House and Senate, he was a dedicated statesman who always cared deeply for our state.”

Her opponent in the 2026 Arizona gubernatorial election, Republican Andy Biggs, said he is praying for Kyl’s family.

Senator Jon Kyl was an exemplary public servant who understood Arizona, fought tirelessly for our interests, and approached his responsibilities with humility and conviction. His example demonstrated that public service can be carried out with principle, dignity, and a genuine… pic.twitter.com/HwH2YLmpsJ

— Rep Andy Biggs (@RepAndyBiggsAZ) September 17, 2026

One described the death of Jon Kyl as ‘devastating news’

To Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell, the news was devastating. The Republican also highlighted another part of his legacy: the impact he had on children.

“In addition to his many, many accomplishments, some do not know the efforts he extended to help children and other victims of sex crimes by championing evidence rule changes which continue to have an incredibly positive impact,” Mitchell said. “My prayers go out to his family.”

Subscribe to the KTAR Political Brief newsletter to get our top political stories, exclusive guest interviews and more to your email inbox.

Related

Arizona Republicans launch Sunshine Residential Homes probe, subpoena Katie Hobbs, Kris MayesJon Kyl sat down for an exclusive podcast interview 20 months before his deathJon Kyl, an Arizona political giant who served in Congress for nearly 3 decades, has diedCongressman Andy Biggs proposes $19B plan to boost Colorado River water supplyKTAR town hall panelists weigh on Prop 144, a ballot measure about electionsYour guide to Arizona’s 2026 general election debates: Candidates face off in top races