Former US Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona, a ‘workhorse’ who shaped water policy, dies at 84
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Former United States Senator Jon Kyl of Arizona, a Republican lawmaker known for shaping landmark water policies in the American West and guiding the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, has died at the age of 84. Gordon James, a family friend and communications professional, confirmed that Kyl passed away on Wednesday night following complications from a neurological disorder. Kyl had withdrawn from public view in December 2025 after publicly disclosing his diagnosis of dementia. Serving nearly three decades across both chambers of Congress, Kyl's career spanned from the administration of Ronald Reagan through the first term of President Donald Trump. Former Arizona Governor Doug Ducey described him as a dedicated legislative workhorse who focused intensely on policy details rather than political spectacle. Kyl briefly returned to public service in late 2018 when appointed to complete the term of the late Senator John McCain before returning to private practice.