Wednesday acting Republican Senator for Arizona Jon Kyl has announced his resignation from the Senate effective December 31st, 2018. On Thursday, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey accepted, leaving Ducey the task of appointing another Republican Senator to replace Senator John McCain, who passed in August.
Ducey, as the News Blender reported appointed Kyl in September, with the blessing of Senator McCain’s widow Cindy McCain.
At the time of his appointment Kyl was unsure if he would serve until 2020, or just until the end of the year, in his resignation letter, Kyl writes, “when I accepted your appointment, I agreed to complete the work of the 115th Congress and then reevaluate continuing to serve,” he adds, “I have concluded that it would be best if I resign so that your new appointee can begin the new term with all other Senators in January 2019 and can serve a full two year.”
AZ Central reports via statement that Ducey said this of Kyl’s service, “Senator Kyl didn’t need to return to the Senate. His legacy as one of Arizona’s most influential and important political figures was already without question. But he did return, and I remain deeply grateful for his willingness to step up and serve again when Arizona needed him. I wish him and his family all the best.”
According to the article the front-runner to replace Kyl who replaced McCain is, “outgoing Rep. Martha McSally, the Republican who lost to Democratic Rep. Kyrsten Sinema for Arizona’s other U.S. Senate seat.”
Other names being floated according to AZ Central are, “Ducey’s former chief-of-staff, Kirk Adams, and state Treasurer Eileen Klein.”
Under the law Ducey must appoint another Republican to replace Kyl, a decision is expected soon, according to the Governor’s office.
