Jon Kyl to Resign from McCain’s Senate Seat at Year’s End

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey (R) announced Friday that Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ) will resign from the Senate on December 31st, paving the way for a second appointment to the seat held by the late Sen. John McCain (R-AZ).

“Thank you for appointing me to the U.S. Senate to fill the vacancy created by John McCain’s death,” Kyl wrote in a statement. “It has been an honor and a privilege to again serve the people of Arizona.

“When I accepted your appointment, I agreed to complete the work of the 115th Congress and then reevaluate continuing to serve. 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 (potentially four) years,” the outgoing senator continued. “Therefore, I will resign from the U.S. Senate effective 11:59 p.m. EST December 31, 2018.”

Ducey, who is required by law to appoint a Republican to the Senate seat, said an appointment decision “will be announced in the near future.”

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