Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor died at age 93, prompting a number of Arizona officials and other leaders to react to the news of her passing.
President Joe Biden:
"Justice Sandra Day O’Connor was an American icon, the first woman on our nation’s highest court She spent her career committed to the stable center, pragmatic and in search of common ground. I did not agree with all of her opinions, but I admired her decency and unwavering devotion to the facts, to our country, to active citizenship and the common good.
Defined by her no-nonsense Arizona ranch roots, Justice O’Connor overcame discrimination early on, at a time when law firms too often told women to seek work as secretaries, not attorneys. She gave her life to public service, even holding elected office, and never forgot those ties to the people whom the law is meant to serve. She sought to avoid ideology, and was devoted to the rule of law and to the bedrock American principle of an independent judiciary. Unrelenting in her interrogations of attorneys before the Court, she was willing to learn and to change, open to the experience of fellow Americans and always conscious of the law’s real impact on their lives.
As a U.S. Senator on the Judiciary Committee, I remember the hope surrounding her historic nomination to the Supreme Court. The Senate voted 99-0 in her favor, proof that our nation can come together to move history forward.
Justice O’Connor never quit striving to make this nation stronger, retiring only to care for her husband, John, the love of her life. She never quit calling on us all to engage with our country and with one another, and her institute’s work to promote civics education and civil discourse has touched millions. She knew that for democracy to work, we have to listen to each other, and remember how much more we all have in common as Americans than what keeps us apart.
Our hearts today are with Justice O’Connor’s three sons, Scott, Brian, and Jay; her brother, Alan; her six grandchildren; and all those who loved her."
Vice President Kamala Harris:
"Justice Sandra Day O’Connor was a trailblazer.
As the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States, Justice O’Connor was guided by a deep respect for the rule of law. Opinions she authored will continue to shape our nation for decades to come.
As an associate justice of the Supreme Court, as a state senator, and as a proud daughter of Arizona, Justice O'Connor dedicated her life to public service. A champion of civics education, Justice O’Connor helped countless young Americans better understand the nature and importance of our democracy.
I first met Justice O'Connor years ago. Like so many who knew her, I will always remember her kindness, intelligence, and deep love for our country.
Today, Doug and I send our prayers to Justice O’Connor’s family."
Attorney General Kris Mayes:
"I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. She set a powerful example of leadership for so many to follow.
"Even before her appointment to the Supreme Court, Justice O'Connor's trailblazing leadership here in Arizona cemented her place in the history of our state. Her humble beginnings on the Lazy B Ranch near Duncan, Arizona was just the start. It was something I always admired about her: how she went from my own beloved rural Arizona, to the marbled halls of the Supreme Court.
"Justice O'Connor exemplified service leadership throughout her career: Arizona Assistant Attorney General, first woman State Senate majority leader in the country, Maricopa County Superior Court judge, Arizona Court of Appeals judge, and first woman Supreme Court Justice.
"An icon.
"My thoughts are with Justice O'Connor's family and loved ones during this time."
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego:
"Sandra Day O'Connor was a trailblazing inspiration for women, especially those of us in Arizona. With her unique grit, O'Connor took any 'no' she got and turned it into a 'watch me!' - leading her all the way to the Supreme Court. Her legacy is forever etched in our memories."
Senator Kyrsten Sinema:
"Justice Sandra Day O'Connor - Arizona's original cowgirl - paved the way for countless women like me in law and life. She was fiercely independent just like Arizona, and she worked tirelessly to do what's best for our state and country. Arizona and America are grateful for her service and leadership.
"My heart is with her family and loved ones. Our state and country will miss her dearly."
Former Governor Jan Brewer:
"Today we lost an Arizona treasure and icon. Sandra Day O'Connor was America's 1st female US Supreme Court Justice. From Arizona’s Lazy B Ranch all the way to the Supreme Court, she knew everyone could make a difference. RIP my friend."
Rep. Greg Stanton:
“Justice Sandra Day O’Connor spent her life breaking down barriers in the pursuit of a more just society.
She blazed every trail she set foot on—defying the odds stacked against women in the legal profession to rise to become Arizona’s assistant attorney general, our first female majority leader in the state Senate, a Maricopa County Superior Court judge, and ultimately our first female justice on the United States Supreme Court. She brought her Arizona brand of pragmatism and independence with her to the Supreme Court and was often the swing vote on consequential decisions.
In the years since her retirement from the Court, I’ve admired her steadfast commitment to preserving our democracy through objective, fact-based and collaborative civil discourse. Her work will inspire future generations to follow her example to become engaged and thoughtful civic participants.
My prayers and condolences are with the O’Connor family and her colleagues at the O’Connor Institute.”
Cindy McCain:
"Sandra Day O’Connor was an Arizonan and American trail blazer. A force of nature whom John and I were lucky to call our friend."
Senator Mark Kelly:
“Sandra Day O’Connor was a great Arizonan and a great American. She's someone Gabby and I both really looked up to. Her brilliant, thoughtful legal career leaves a legacy in our law and in the generations of young girls who were inspired by her trailblazing example.”
AZ Secretary of State Adrian Fontes:
"With deep respect, I reflect on the passing of Sandra Day O'Connor, the trailblazing individual who, as the first woman on the U.S. Supreme Court, left an indelible mark on the pursuit of justice. May her legacy endure as an inspiration for generations to come."
Treasurer Kimberly Yee:
"Sandra Day O'Connor was the 1st female Senate Majority Leader in Arizona in 1973. I became the 2nd female Senate Majority Leader 44 years later.She was a trailblazer, worked across the aisle and believed in civil discourse. She was an inspiration to me and women around the world."
Congresswoman Debbie Lesko:
"I join my fellow Arizonans in sadness over the death of former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who was an American icon and a trailblazer for thousands of women to pursue and achieve their dreams. From her upbringing on the Lazy B Ranch, to her work at the Arizona Attorney General's Office, to her tenure as America's first female state senate majority leader, to her judgeship at the Maricopa County Superior Court, Justice O'Connor left an undeniable and incredible legacy for the nation. Not everyone agreed with her positions, but she showed courage, leadership, and independence by refusing to compromise her convictions throughout her time in government. Her contributions to the fabric of this country will be cherished for generations to come."
Former Arizona Governor Doug Ducey:
"Ronald Reagan put it best when he called Justice O'Connor a "person for all seasons." Her life and career are a testament to hard work, determination, Western grit and the American dream. From the Arizona Senate to the United States Supreme Court, she broke barriers and shattered any ceiling that stood in her way. Justice O'Connor was a force of nature, with a keen grasp on basic common sense. Her legacy must be remembered, and her life and lessons learned by every American child. Angela and I pray for her entire family. May she rest in peace."
Ruben Gallego:
"Sandra Day O’Connor was an Arizona trailblazer who dedicated decades to serving both our beautiful state and country. The first woman to serve on the Supreme Court, Sandra broke barriers everywhere she went. Sydney and I send our condolences to her family, friends, and the countless people she has inspired. Arizona will miss her."
Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer:
"Justice Sandra Day O'Connor exemplified the best of Arizona and our entire county. As the first woman on the Supreme Court, Justice O’Connor broke barriers, championed integrity, and defended the rule of the law. Justice O’Connor was a steadfast leader in Arizona, and she is a perfect example of why so many of us are proud to call the Grand Canyon State home. The impact of her legacy will be felt for generations to come."
Representative Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-07):
"I join the millions of Americans mourning the passing of Sandra Day O'Connor. Her life exemplified diligent public service and dedication to our democracy. She was a role model and paved the way for future generations of women to practice law. As the first woman to sit on the Supreme Court, she broke an important glass ceiling while navigating a male dominated workplace and pushed the boundaries for women in the legal profession. She leaves a legacy of civics education in our country's schools and her opinions will continue to have a lasting impact on the history of this nation. Mona and I send our sympathies to her family and loved ones. She will be missed."
Rep. Andy Biggs:
"Justice Sandra Day O'Connor was a constitutional conservative and trailblazer who made lasting impacts on our country. May we honor her dedication to public service at the SCOTUS, the Arizona state legislature, and Arizona state appellate courts. She is gone but not forgotten."
