Arizona politicos are reacting with sympathy for former Sen. Jon Kyl announced on Tuesday that he would step back from public life after he was diagnosed with dementia.
“I was blessed to represent the people of Arizona in Congress and to have numerous other opportunities to contribute to the political and civic life of our nation and state,” said Kyl in a statement. “However, the time has come for me to withdraw from public life. I have been diagnosed with a neurological disease manifesting as dementia.”
He currently works in the lobbying group at the law firm Covington & Burling.
Senator Jon Kyl was a true gentleman—classy, and a model of civil debate and decorum in the Senate. Thank you for your decades of service, sir.
Sadly, our classless senators from AZ, @MarkKelly and @RubenGallego
—think it’s okay to tell their constituents to F off.— Warren Petersen (@votewarren) December 31, 2025
Jon Kyl, the finest public servant I’ve had the privilege to know. His integrity, wisdom, commitment to his beliefs showed how to lead and serve. A true friend to me. Read his statement, he knows his redeemer lives. Do you? I pray so. https://t.co/qJIdRhoCFp
— Cathi Herrod (@cathiherrod) December 31, 2025
God Bless Jon Kyl. He is a Patriot and should have been the Senator we talked into keeping to replace John McCain to keep Arizona red when the establishment forced McSally.
He has been a broker of peace during the Trump era and a true statesman.
Pray for him and his family!
— Tyler Bowyer (@tylerbowyer) December 31, 2025
Senator Jon Kyl was one of the first elected officials I met when I broke into politics at age 16, and I've looked up to him ever since. He was a staunch conservative, a noble statesman & a true public servant. Praying for him and his family and thankful for his life of service. pic.twitter.com/TFZ5CAiZxY
— Daniel Stefanski (@DStefanskiAZ) December 31, 2025
A mentor, a friend and a confidant.
Not sure I would have been Governor without his counsel and encouragement.
Senator Jon Kyl is a giant set forth in the tradition of Arizona’s own Barry Goldwater. All my deepest love and prayers to him and the entire Kyl family. https://t.co/d4Vbpw62a2
— Doug Ducey (@DougDucey) December 31, 2025
Thank you, Senator Jon Kyl, for your years of dedicated public service to our great State of Arizona. Wishing you and your family God's care and provision upon this announcement.
"Former U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl stepping back from public life due to neurological disease diagnosis"… pic.twitter.com/bWVC0vjS8J
— Kimberly Yee (@KimberlyYeeAZ) December 31, 2025
There is not a current or former GOP elected official or political staffer who hasn’t been positively impacted by Sen. Jon Kyl’s example of leadership, wisdom, and kindness. He’s a true statesman. He will face this with grit and humility. https://t.co/8wg9dipRVD
— Sean Noble (@SeanNobleAZDC) December 31, 2025
Jon Kyl is someone I have always respected and admired. His example of integrity and principle will live on in Arizona and the nation for generations. Joe and I will be praying for him and his family. https://t.co/3Kc3bLZSHG
— Debbie Lesko (@DebbieLesko) December 31, 2025
Our state and nation are stronger thanks to Jon Kyl’s leadership and service. A brilliant legal mind and dedicated statesman, his impact is lasting — including at ASU. Now it’s our turn to be present and support Jon and his family in the days ahead.
— Michael Crow (@michaelcrow) December 31, 2025
While I was no fan of Jon Kyl I did vote for him and I definitely liked him better than Jon There’s no war I don’t love McCain. I felt he was more conservative than McCain and genuinely helped make Arizona a better place. I agree with the previous post. He was the last great Senator this state ever had.
God Bless Him! He was the last great Senator this state has had.