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Former Sen. Jon Kyl, who shaped water policy and backed Kavanaugh, dies at 84
AZ Family • • general
Key Points:
- Former U.S. Senator Jon Kyl, a prominent Arizona Republican known for shaping water policies in the U.S. West and aiding Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation, has died at age 84 from a neurological disorder.
- Kyl served in the U.S. House (1987-1995) and Senate (1995-2013), briefly returning in 2018 to fill John McCain’s Senate seat, and was recognized for his leadership as Republican minority whip.
- He played a key role in Arizona’s 1980 groundwater code and authored major legislation in 2004 securing significant tribal water rights for the Gila River Indian Community.
- Kyl was widely praised by political leaders across Arizona and nationally for his principled leadership, work ethic, and contributions to bipartisan efforts on immigration, border security, and tribal water settlements.
- State and local officials expressed condolences, highlighting Kyl’s legacy as a dedicated statesman who mentored many and left a lasting impact on Arizona and national policy.
