Former U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl, an Arizona Republican who served in Congress for nearly three decades, died Wednesday night at 84, his family said. Gordon James, a longtime family friend, said Kyl died of complications from a neurological disorder. Kyl withdrew from public life in December 2025 after announcing a dementia diagnosis [pbs.org][cbsnews.com][abcnews.com][washingtonpost.com]. Kyl represented Arizona in the House and Senate, became Senate Republican whip, helped shape landmark water policy in the U.S. West and guided the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. He retired from politics in 2013 but returned to the Senate in 2018 after Gov. Doug Ducey appointed him to fill the vacancy created by John McCain’s death [pbs.org][cbsnews.com][nytimes.com]. Highlights: • After leaving elected office, Kyl worked as a lobbyist [pbs.org][wzzm13.com]. Perspectives: Katie Hobbs: Arizona’s Democratic governor said Kyl was a dedicated statesman who cared deeply about the state throughout his House and Senate service [pbs.org]. (PBS NewsHour) Doug Ducey: The former Republican governor described Kyl as a mentor and a “workhorse” among Washington’s “showhorses” [abcnews.com][cbsnews.com]. (ABC News) Jeff Flake: Former Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake called Kyl “one of the most diligent and effective public servants Arizona has ever had” and said, “Arizona has lost a giant” [thenews.com.pk]. (The News International) "If you saw him on the plane, he was sitting in the aisle, in coach, and he was reading. And he was reading potential bills or Senate business." — Doug Ducey Sources: • Jon Kyl, Senator Known for His Skills Behind the Scenes, Dies at 84 - nytimes.com • Jon Kyl, long-serving lawmaker from Arizona who shaped water policy, dies at 84 - pbs.org • Jon Kyl, a former top Republican in the Senate, dies at 84 - washingtonpost.com • Former U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona dies at 84 - cbsnews.com • Former US Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona, a 'workhorse' who shaped water policy, dies at 84 - abcnews.com • Jon Kyl: Longtime Arizona senator and former GOP whip dies aged 84 - tuko.co.ke • Former Republican senator Jon Kyl dies at 84, family announces - thenews.com.pk • Former US Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona, a ‘workhorse’ who shaped water policy, has died - wzzm13.com --- 📰 Story aggregated by Kagi News