Former Senator Jon Kyl Announces Retirement from Public Life Due to Health Diagnosis
In a heartfelt announcement, Jon Kyl, a former U.S. Senator from Arizona, has disclosed his decision to step back from public activities following a diagnosis with a neurological condition linked to dementia. This revelation marks a significant moment in the life of a politician who has served both in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate.
Drawing inspiration from former President Ronald Reagan, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 1994, Kyl expressed his outlook on his remaining years as entering “the sunset of his life.” Kyl remained optimistic about the country’s and Arizona’s future.
“My family and I now head down a path filled with moments of joy and increasing difficulties,” Kyl stated. “I am grateful beyond expression for their love and support, in these coming days as in all the days of my life. Despite this diagnosis, I remain a very fortunate man.”
Kyl’s political career began in 1986 when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. He served nearly a decade before transitioning to the Senate in 1994, where he remained until 2013. His political journey took another turn when former Governor Doug Ducey appointed him to fill the Senate seat left vacant by the late John McCain in 2018.
“My father served in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing a farming district in Iowa where I grew up,” Kyl noted in his statement. “So, it was a double honor when the people of Arizona’s Congressional District 4 elected me to represent them in the House. And then, subsequently, for the people of the whole state to entrust me to serve them and the country in the U.S. Senate.”
After his initial Senate term, Kyl worked as an attorney and lobbyist. His return to the Senate in 2018, prompted by Ducey’s appointment, was met with some criticism due to his lobbying background. Notably, Kyl represented diverse clients, including defense firms and advocates for the Dreamers, undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children.
Full statement from Sen. Kyl
“I was blessed to represent the people of Arizona in Congress and to have numerous other opportunities to contribute to the political and civic life of our nation and state.
“However, the time has come for me to withdraw from public life. I have been diagnosed with a neurological disease manifesting as dementia.
“I came to Arizona as an 18-year-old freshman enrolled in the University of Arizona. I fell in love with the state and with my wife Caryll, whom I met at the U of A. Caryll worked as a nurse to help put me through law school. We moved to Phoenix to practice law and raise a family.
“My father served in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing a farming district in Iowa where I grew up. So, it was a double honor when the people of Arizona’s Congressional District 4 elected me to represent them in the House. And then, subsequently, for the people of the whole state to entrust me to serve them and the country in the U.S. Senate.
“In a letter to the American people in similar circumstances, Ronald Reagan wrote that he was headed into ‘the sunset of my life.’ Yet, he expressed confidence that, for America, there would ‘always be a bright dawn ahead.’ I share Reagan’s confidence about the future, for the country and for our state.
“My family and I now head down a path filled with moments of joy and increasing difficulties. I am grateful beyond expression for their love and support, in these coming days as in all the days of my life. Despite this diagnosis, I remain a very fortunate man.
“I am also comforted by knowing that my Redeemer lives. We will not be walking this path alone.”
