Republican Announces New Health Diagnosis
Former U.S. Senator Jon Kyl announced Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with dementia, marking a deeply personal moment for one of Arizona’s longest-serving conservative leaders.
Kyl, 83, said the diagnosis will lead him to step back entirely from public life after decades of service in Congress and national leadership roles.
In a written statement, Kyl reflected on the road ahead and expressed gratitude for his family’s support.
Kyl said he and his family are entering a new chapter that will include both meaningful moments and growing challenges, adding that he is deeply thankful for their unwavering support and considers himself blessed despite the diagnosis.
Decades of Conservative Leadership in Congress
Kyl represented Arizona in the U.S. Senate from 1995 through 2013, becoming a trusted voice for fiscal responsibility, national security, and constitutional governance. During his final years in office, he rose to serve as Senate Republican minority whip.
In 2018, then-Arizona Governor Doug Ducey appointed Kyl to temporarily fill the Senate seat left vacant following the death of John McCain. Kyl later stepped down, and the seat was filled by Martha McSally.
Key Role in Supreme Court Confirmation
Between his Senate terms, Kyl played a critical role in shepherding the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, a defining moment for conservatives focused on preserving originalist principles on the nation’s highest court.
Earlier in his career, Kyl served Arizona’s 4th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1987 to 1995.
Personal Background and Family
Kyl was born in Oakland, Nebraska, and is the son of former U.S. Rep. John Henry Kyl. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Arizona in 1964 and went on to earn his law degree two years later.
Kyl married his wife, Caryll, in 1964. The couple has 2 children and 4 grandchildren.
Dementia: A Growing National Concern
Dementia affects millions of families across the United States and around the world. According to the World Health Organization, roughly 57 million people worldwide were living with dementia as of 2021, with nearly 10 million new cases diagnosed each year.
Alzheimer’s disease remains the most common form.
A recent study published in Nature Medicine projects that new dementia cases in the U.S. could double to nearly one million per year by 2060, highlighting the growing impact on aging populations.
A Respected Conservative Legacy
Kyl’s announcement prompted an outpouring of respect from conservatives who credit him with decades of principled leadership, steady governance, and dedication to the Constitution.
As he steps away from public life, supporters say his legacy will remain firmly rooted in service, integrity, and commitment to American values.
