Local lawmakers react to former Sen. Jon Kyl’s passing
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, NBC) – Local lawmakers across Yuma County are sharing their reaction to former Sen. Jon Kyl’s (R-Ariz.) passing Thursday.
According to his son, former Sen. Kyl passed away Thursday at his home in Phoenix, with the family attributing his death to complications from a neurological disease.
The former senator stepped away from public life after announcing his dementia diagnosis last December.
During his time on Capitol Hill, Kyl served in both the House and Senate Chambers, with his career spanning from the Reagan Administration to President Donald Trump’s first term in office.
In addition, Kyl shaped landmark water policies and guided the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
Yuma County District Two Supervisor Jonathan Lines, who had the opportunity to work closely with Kyl, remembers him for his service to Arizona.
“I think he’s one of my most favorite senators of all time because of his service to Arizona,” Lines said. He was completely unselfish in his approach and one of the true statesmen. He was a servant of Arizona, and I think he’s one of the most effective legislators that we’ve ever had out of the state.”
Arizona State Senator Tim Dunn (R) also reflected on Kyl’s influence, saying the former senator served as a personal example for him during his own time in public office.
“To me personally, as a senator, he’s a role model,” Sen. Dunn said. “Someone that I kind of like to model myself after. The way he acts and understands, listens to people. Really understood water. Really was a world leader in national security. But just understood rural Arizona and wanted to make sure that he was working hard for his constituents.”
Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls posted to Facebook expressing his condolences to his family while saying, “As a great friend to Yuma, he maintained a legislative connection to us, and helped push for water and land policies.”
We also spoke with Mayor Nicholls who reflected on Kyl’s approach to political discussions and working through differences.
“Today we could learn a lot from the way Senator Kyl approached his legislative role,” Nicholls said. “And I think there’s a lot of lessons we could learn. And it would really, I think, at this point in time, help our country tremendously if we all took a little bit of his approach to legislating.”
Former Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, who appointed Kyl to return to the U.S. Senate in 2018 following the death of Sen. John McCain, also shared his condolences on social media.
Ducey wrote on X, “Jon Kyl gave Arizona nearly three decades of principled, thoughtful leadership — and he gave me something just as valuable: his mentorship and friendship. I’ll miss him deeply. Rest in peace, Senator Kyl.”
Reporter Moses Femino went live to share other local reaction. To watch the livestream for that, see attached video.
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