Members of Arizona’s Congressional Caucus joined in a moment of silence upon learning of the death of Arizona icon, Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.
Across the state, politicos offered prayers and shared memories of the girl who grew up on an eastern Arizona ranch to become the first female Supreme Court justice.
Justice O’Connor died on Friday at the age of 93.
Justice O’Connor passed away in Phoenix “of complications related to advanced dementia, probably Alzheimer’s, and a respiratory illness,” stated the Supreme Court’s announcement.
“Sandra Day O’Connor was an impactful conservative and a trailblazer who displayed the epitome of a hardworking public servant, a dedicated mother, and inspired many women to pursue leadership roles within the legislative and judicial branches of government,” said Arizona State Senate President Warren Petersen. “She broke barriers throughout her career, becoming the first woman to serve as Majority Leader for Republicans at the Arizona State Senate and setting the stage for others to follow in her footsteps. The example she set on civil discourse is to be admired. We’re saddened by the loss of this icon, and our hearts go out to O’Connor’s family, but we take comfort in knowing she’ll have lasting positive impacts on our state and nation for generations to come.”
Justice Sandra Day O'Connor was a constitutional conservative and trailblazer who made lasting impacts on our country.
May we honor her dedication to public service at the SCOTUS, the Arizona state legislature, and Arizona state appellate courts.
She is gone but not forgotten. pic.twitter.com/gWRwzc4VFV
— Rep Andy Biggs (@RepAndyBiggsAZ) December 1, 2023
Sandra Day O'Connor was the 1st female Senate Majority Leader in Arizona in 1973. I became the 2nd female Senate Majority Leader 44 years later.She was a trailblazer, worked across the aisle and believed in civil discourse. She was an inspiration to me and women around the world. pic.twitter.com/WE561xK8vG
— Kimberly Yee (@KimberlyYeeAZ) December 1, 2023
This morning, I led Arizona's Congressional delegation in a moment of silence honoring Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.@RepDLesko @RepRaulGrijalva @RepRubenGallego @RepDavid @RepAndyBiggsAZ @RepGosar @RepCiscomani @RepEliCrane pic.twitter.com/4fb6Ku0nkj
— Rep. Greg Stanton (@RepGregStanton) December 1, 2023
Very saddened to hear the news about fmr. United States Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor today. Before President Reagan nominated her to became the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, this legendary Arizonan was our state’s first female Senate Majority… pic.twitter.com/vQh5myo1rg
— T.J. Shope (@TJShope) December 1, 2023
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of a remarkable Arizonan, former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. As the first female Supreme Court Justice, she was a true trailblazer who paved the way for many more women. Please join me in praying for her family and…
— Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (@RepDLesko) December 1, 2023
Sandra Day O’Connor leaves a rich legacy as a political icon of Arizona. A rancher’s daughter, her rugged rural upbringing deeply informed her life of public service. As the 1st female Supreme Court Justice & State Senate Maj Leader, she will be forever and deservedly remembered. pic.twitter.com/ovlJIZKqiu
— David Cook (@RepDavidCook) December 2, 2023
Even though Justice O’Connor is gone, she will live on in the legislation she passed, rulings issued, and civic knowledge dispensed. pic.twitter.com/ZjxUCEjWAJ
— Matt Gress (@MatthewGress) December 1, 2023
Justice O’Connor was a true conservative who understood the role of the judiciary. Her legacy on our nation’s highest court is cherished and will not be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/g4KOT1vMTx
— Mark Lamb for Senate (@sherifflamb1) December 1, 2023
I am saddened to hear about the passing of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. As a reporter, I had the honor of following her stellar career and meeting her on several occasions. She was a trailblazer, serving as the first female Supreme Court Justice, and Majority Leader in the… pic.twitter.com/RTQzYE7137
— Kari Lake (@KariLake) December 1, 2023