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

Former U.S. Senator Jon Kyl, a dedicated Republican from Arizona who played a pivotal role in shaping landmark water policies across the U.S. West, has passed away at the age of 84. Kyl's death was attributed to a neurological disorder, as announced by his longtime friend Gordon James. Following a public withdrawal in December 2025, Kyl had been battling dementia.

Throughout his nearly three-decade-long career in Congress, Kyl served in both chambers and witnessed the dramatic transformation of his party from the era of President Ronald Reagan to the first term of President Donald Trump. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs mourned his loss, highlighting his steadfast dedication to the state, while former Republican Governor Doug Ducey described him as a true statesman and a 'workhorse' in Washington, D.C.

Kyl's contributions to water policy were significant. He was instrumental in drafting Arizona's pioneering groundwater code in 1980, which established a regulatory framework for managing groundwater resources in the state, particularly in urban centers like Phoenix and Tucson. Later, in 2004, he co-authored legislation that resulted in one of the largest tribal water rights settlements, ensuring the Gila River Indian Community had enough water to support over 313,500 Olympic-sized swimming pools annually.

During his final term in the Senate, Kyl ascended to the position of minority whip, guiding his Republican colleagues' agenda. After retiring from politics in 2013 and transitioning to a career as a lobbyist, Kyl returned to Congress in 2018 to fill the vacancy left by the late Senator John McCain, a position that earned him praise from then-President Donald Trump. Kyl's tenure as a lobbyist included guiding the confirmation process for Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, whom he supported during his appointment.