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Former Republican Senator Jon Kyl announced Tuesday that he is retiring from public life after being diagnosed with dementia.
Kyl, 83, has become one of Arizona’s most prominent Republicans during a career that spanned nearly three decades in both houses of Congress, including a stint as Senate minority whip.
“I have been fortunate to represent the people of Arizona in Congress and have many other opportunities to contribute to the political and civic life of our nation and state,” Kyl said in a statement. “However, the time has come for me to retire from public life. I have been diagnosed with a neurological illness manifesting as dementia.”
Kyl represented Arizona’s 4th congressional district in the House of Representatives from 1987 to 1995 before serving in the U.S. Senate from 1995 to 2013.
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Former Arizona Republican Sen. Jon Kyl announced Tuesday that he is retiring from public life after being diagnosed with dementia. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)
After leaving the Senate, Kyl joined lobbying firm Covington and Burling, before being appointed in 2018 by then-Gov. Doug Ducey to fill the vacancy left by the death of former Senator John McCain.
Kyl held the Senate seat for several months before joining the cabinet in 2019, where he helped guide the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh, Supreme Court Justice.
Time Arizona legislator described himself as “a very lucky man” despite the diagnosis.
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Former Arizona Republican Sen. Jon Kyl, left, and Bruce Babbitt, right, former Arizona Republican governor and interior secretary, wave to the crowd as they are recognized during Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey’s State of the State address Monday, Jan. 14, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
“My family and I are now walking a path filled with moments of joy and increasing difficulties“, he said. “I am grateful beyond words for their love and support, in the days to come as in all the days of my life.”
Kyl moved to Arizona at the age of 18 to attend the University of Arizona, where he met his wife.
The university said Kyl dedicated more than two decades to public service, leaving a lasting impact on water policy, national defense and intelligence.
“His leadership, integrity and commitment to service reflect the highest ideals of public life,” the university said in a statement.
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Former Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., announced he was retiring from public life after being diagnosed with dementia. (Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
The senator Mark KellyD-Ariz., said Kyl dedicated “decades of his life” to serving Arizona, adding that he was grateful for the former Republican senator’s “commitment to our state and our country.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
