Former Arizona Sen. Jon Kyl will return to the U.S. Senate to replace John McCain.
"It's not the time for newcomers and not the time for on-the-job training," Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey said Tuesday morning during a press conference about the selection. "Arizona needs someone that can hit the job running. That's Jon Kyl."
Kyl said he will remain in McCain's seat for the remainder of the second Congressional session, which ends this year. He has not yet committed to anything beyond that.
"I look forward to going to Washington and getting the work done," Kyl said at the press conference.
"John [sic] Kyl is a dear friend of mine and John’s. It’s a great tribute to John that he is prepared to go back into public service to help the state of Arizona," she said in a tweet Tuesday morning.
John Kyl is a dear friend of mine and John’s. It’s a great tribute to John that he is prepared to go back into public service to help the state of Arizona.
— Cindy McCain (@cindymccain) September 4, 2018
Kyl served in the U.S. Senate from 1995 - 2013. Before that, he worked in the House of Representatives from 1987 - 1995. Since retiring in 2013, he has worked at a senior of counsel at Covington and Burling LLP.
Governor Ducey has selected Senator Jon Kyl as Senator McCain’s replacement. What an excellent choice! There is no one more qualified and Arizona is well served. Kudos to Senator Kyl for his willingness to serve once again.
— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) September 4, 2018
Over chants against Brett Kavanaugh, Sen. Jeff Flake says Jon Kyl is the "perfect guy" to succeed John McCain.
"They worked together for 18 years...He obviously shared Senator McCain's views on most things." https://t.co/XMw2A7kN5m pic.twitter.com/rnUWPYkn15
— ABC News (@ABC) September 4, 2018
SPECIAL SECTION: Remembering the life of Sen. John McCain
FAREWELL: Read Sen. McCain's farewell statement
Sen. McCain was laid to rest last week after a year-long battle with Glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
Related: Jon Kyl remembers McCain during memorial ceremony
I’m very grateful to Jon Kyl for his willingness to return to public service to take my father’s seat in the Senate. I can think of no one better to keep fighting for the country and state he held so dear. He has always been a true statesman and a friend to my family. https://t.co/ukYYQrhekI
— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) September 4, 2018
"Jon Kyl will be an extraordinary Senator representing an extraordinary state, Arizona. I look forward to working with him!" President Donald Trump said in a tweet.
