Former U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl, 83, announced he has been diagnosed with a neurological disease manifesting as dementia and will withdraw from public life. Kyl served nearly 30 years in Congress, including terms in the House (1987–1995) and the Senate (1995–2013), where he left as Senate minority whip. After leaving elected office he worked at Covington & Burling and helped advance Brett Kavanaugh's nomination; he briefly returned to the Senate in 2018 to fill Sen. John McCain's seat until 2019. Kyl expressed gratitude for his family's support as he faces increasing health challenges.
Former Arizona Sen. Jon Kyl Announces Dementia Diagnosis, Will Step Back From Public Life
Former Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., helped steer Justice Brett Kavanaugh's Supreme Court nomination through the Senate. (Tom Williams / CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images file)
Former U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona announced Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with a neurological disease manifesting as dementia and will withdraw from public life.
“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,”Kyl, a Republican, said in a written statement.
“However, the time has come for me to withdraw from public life. I have been diagnosed with a neurological disease manifesting as dementia.”
Career Overview
Kyl, 83, served nearly 30 years in the U.S. Congress, representing Arizona in both chambers. He served in the House of Representatives from 1987 to 1995 and in the U.S. Senate from 1995 until 2013, leaving the Senate as the minority whip — the chamber's No. 2 Republican at the time.
Work After Elected Office
After leaving elected office, Kyl became a lobbyist and attorney with the Washington law firm Covington & Burling. During his time there, he played a role in guiding the confirmation process for Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh through the Senate.
In 2018 Kyl briefly returned to the Senate when Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey appointed him to fill the seat vacated by the death of Sen. John McCain. He served until 2019, then rejoined Covington & Burling.
“My family and I now head down a path filled with moments of joy and increasing difficulties,”Kyl wrote.
“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 disclosed his diagnosis a week after former Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska announced he had been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. Kyl's announcement was brief and focused on his gratitude for family and supporters as he steps back from public responsibilities.
This report is based on Kyl's public statement and previously documented aspects of his career.
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