Jon Kyl Steps Back from Public Life Due to Health Diagnosis
Jon Kyl, a former U.S. Senator from Arizona, has announced his retirement from public life following a diagnosis of a neurological condition that leads to dementia. Drawing inspiration from former President Ronald Reagan, who faced a similar diagnosis, Kyl expressed optimism about the nation’s future, despite his personal challenges.
“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 later served in the Senate from 1994 until 2013. In 2018, he made a brief return to the Senate, appointed by then-Governor Doug Ducey to fill the seat of the late Senator John McCain.
Prior to his reappointment, Kyl had been planning his retirement after working as an attorney and lobbyist. Governor Ducey’s call to service delayed those plans, leading to Kyl’s interim role as McCain’s successor.
Reflecting on his political journey, Kyl remarked, “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.”
After his initial Senate term, Kyl transitioned to lobbying, representing a diverse clientele, including defense contractors like Northrop Grumman and advocating for young undocumented immigrants known as “Dreamers.” His lobbying activities sparked some debate when he was reappointed to the Senate in 2018. For more details on his lobbying career, visit Cronkite News and Associated Press.
Full Statement from Jon 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.”
“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.”
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