Arizona, national lawmakers react to McSally appointment to US Senate

PHOENIX — After narrowly losing an election to the U.S. Senate in November, outgoing U.S. Rep. Martha McSally will get to serve in the Senate anyway.

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey announced Tuesday that McSally would succeed outgoing U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl, who announced last week that he would step down on Dec. 31.

The pick by Ducey was not much of a surprise — McSally’s name had been floated as a possible replacement for Kyl since he was appointed to the seat formerly held by the late John McCain — but it still garnered a lot of reaction from state and national lawmakers.

Ducey said in a statement that McSally is “uniquely qualified to step up and fight for Arizona’s interests in the U.S. Senate.

“I thank her for taking on this significant responsibility and look forward to working with her and Sen.-elect (Kyrsten) Sinema to get positive things done.”

I’m grateful to @RepMcSally for taking on the great responsibility of representing #Arizona in the U.S. Senate. I look forward to working with her and Senator-Elect @kyrstensinema to get positive things done.

— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) December 18, 2018

President Donald Trump was quiet on social media following the news of McSally’s appointment, but White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders opened her press briefing with praise of the Arizona Republican.

“She has been a strong partner in the House of Representatives, helping advance a number of the administration’s priorities,” the White House said when congratulating Martha McSally.

McSally will fill John McCain's seat in the U.S. Senate alongside Arizona senator Krysten Sinema pic.twitter.com/veQGlPb4Hd

— POLITICO (@politico) December 18, 2018

Vice President Mike Pence also congratulated McSally. “Martha served our Nation (sic) proudly in the military & in the Congress.”

Congratulations to @MarthaMcSally on being appointed to replace Sen. Jon Kyl in the US Senate! Martha served our Nation proudly in the military & in the Congress. I know Martha McSally will be a champion for the people of Arizona and the #MAGA Agenda in the US Senate!

— Mike Pence (@mike_pence) December 18, 2018

Outgoing U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake, whose seat was lost by McSally in the November election, congratulated her on the appointment.

Congrats to @RepMcSally on her appointment to the U.S. Senate. Arizona will be well served.

— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) December 18, 2018

Cindy McCain, McCain’s widow, put out a lukewarm statement about McSally, whom she had butted heads with over the representative’s lack of public praise for a defense bill named after her husband.

My husband’s greatest legacy was placing service to AZ & USA ahead of his own self-interest. I respect @dougducey's decision to appoint @RepMcSally to fill the remainder of his term. Arizonans will be pulling for her, hoping that she will follow his example of selfless leadership

— Cindy McCain (@cindymccain) December 18, 2018

Democrat U.S. Rep.-elect Ann Kirkpatrick, who won McSally’s House seat in the November election, congratulated her predecessor.

Congratulations to Martha McSally on her appointment. I look forward to working together in both chambers to help Arizona families get ahead. #AZ02 https://t.co/DG7WoXUDFd

— Ann Kirkpatrick (@Ann_Kirkpatrick) December 18, 2018

Former Arizona state Sen. Kelli Ward also congratulated McSally on the news. The two had run in a hotly contested Republican primary for Flake’s seat. Ward is seeking to get elected as Arizona GOP chair.

I congratulate Congresswoman @MarthaMcSally on her appointment to the United States Senate. She has served our nation honorably and courageously during her time in uniform and I look forward to working hand in hand with her on Arizona’s top priorities in the coming year…

— Dr. Kelli Ward (@kelliwardaz) December 18, 2018

U.S. Rep. David Schweikert, whom McSally served alongside in the House, called her a “good leader” who will “do a terrific job representing the interests of our state.”

My full statement on @RepMcSally being appointed to the U.S. Senate representing Arizona. pic.twitter.com/SsHAVISkrR

— Rep David Schweikert (@RepDavid) December 18, 2018

Congratulations to Martha McSally on her appointment to the U.S. Senate. I look forward to working with her in the next Congress. pic.twitter.com/zfMsYgMELZ

— Rep Andy Biggs (@RepAndyBiggsAZ) December 18, 2018

Congratulations, @RepMcSally! Governor @dougducey made an excellent choice for Arizona’s next U.S. Senator.

— Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (@RepDLesko) December 18, 2018

U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego, who many believe will run in a 2020 special election to fill the remainder of McCain’s seat, offered scathing criticism of Ducey, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and McSally in a Tuesday statement.

Arizona lost a respected independent voice when John McCain passed away. Shady backroom deals between Gov. Ducey, Sen. McConnell, & a lobbyist refreshing his Rolodex are giving the state the one candidate they definitively rejected? Martha McSally is the wrong choice for Arizona

— Ruben Gallego (@RubenGallego) December 18, 2018

Congratulations to @RepMcSally on her appointment to the US Senate today, your service to this country is a clear indication of how you will serve the state of Arizona.

— Cory Gardner (@SenCoryGardner) December 18, 2018

Martha McSally has spent years serving her country, both as a pilot in the Air Force and in Congress.

She’s a true fighter, and she’ll be an excellent senator for the people of Arizona!

— Ronna McDaniel (@GOPChairwoman) December 18, 2018

Congratulations to @RepMcSally as Arizona’s next US Senator! You will be a terrific leader for all Arizonans.

— Jan Brewer (@GovBrewer) December 18, 2018

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