Former U.S. Senator Jon Kyl of Arizona has died at the age of 84, with his family saying he passed away from complications related to a neurological disease.
Kyl died on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at his home in Phoenix, according to reports. His family announced his death on Thursday and said memorial service details would be released later.
Kyl had spent nearly three decades in Congress and became one of the prominent Republican figures from Arizona. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1987 to 1995 before moving to the Senate.
He represented Arizona in the Senate from 1995 until 2013 and rose to become the Republican whip, a leadership position. During his career, he was involved in several key policy debates, including immigration, national security and water rights.
Water policy was particularly important to Kyl. Before entering Congress, he worked as a lawyer in Arizona and helped shape the state’s groundwater regulations. As a senator, he also played a major role in legislation concerning tribal water rights.
Kyl later returned briefly to the Senate in 2018 after then-Arizona Governor Doug Ducey appointed him to fill the seat left vacant by the death of Senator John McCain. He served for a few months before leaving the chamber.
During that period, Kyl also helped guide Brett Kavanaugh through the Senate confirmation process for the U.S. Supreme Court.
In December 2025, Kyl announced that he had been diagnosed with dementia and would withdraw from public life. His family said he remained grateful for his life, family and public service.
Tributes followed his death from political figures and former colleagues. They highlighted his long congressional career and work on state and national issues.
Memorial arrangements have not yet been announced. Kyl is survived by his wife, Caryll, two children and four grandchildren.