Former US Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona, a 'workhorse' who shaped water policy, dies at 84

Former U.S. Senator Jon Kyl, a long-serving politician who played a significant role in shaping Arizona's water policies and Supreme Court confirmation processes, has passed away at the age of 84. Kyl, a Republican from Arizona, had retired from public life in December 2025 following a diagnosis of dementia. He spent 30 years in Congress, including eight years in the House and 18 in the Senate.

Kyl's tenure marked a transformative period for the Republican party, beginning with Ronald Reagan's presidency and ending during President Trump's first term.

Former Arizona Governor Doug Ducey, who had a close relationship with Kyl, described him as a true statesman and a workhorse, emphasizing his dedication to public service. Kyl rose to leadership in his final Senate term, serving as minority whip. After retiring from politics, he briefly returned to Congress in 2018 to fill a vacancy left by the late Senator John McCain, receiving praise from then-President Trump.

Kyl's notable achievements include his role in shaping Arizona's 1980 groundwater code, which established a regulatory framework for managing groundwater in the state's drought-prone regions. He also authored legislation granting the Gila River Indian Community one of the largest tribal water rights settlements, ensuring the community's water needs were met annually.

Kyl's work ethic was highly regarded, with McConnell calling it legendary and Kyl himself acknowledging it as one of the most challenging feats he had undertaken.

In his later years, Kyl remained active as a lobbyist, guiding the confirmation of Trump's Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh. He continued to be a prominent figure in the Senate until his retirement in 2013 and his return as a lobbyist in 2018. Kyl's legacy is marked by his dedication to public service, his contributions to Arizona's water policies, and his instrumental role in the confirmation process of the Supreme Court.