Gov. Ducey appoints Martha McSally to U.S. Senate

Photo credit: Gage Skidmore

Governor Doug Ducey (R-AZ) Tuesday morning appointed Rep. Martha McSally (R-AZ) to the seat once held by the late Senator John McCain (R-AZ).

“All her life, Martha has put service first — leading in the toughest of fights and at the toughest of times,” Ducey said. “With her experience and long record of service, Martha is uniquely qualified to step up and fight for Arizona’s interests in the U.S. Senate. I thank her for taking on this significant responsibility and look forward to working with her and Senator-elect Sinema to get positive things done.”

I’m grateful to @RepMcSally for taking on the great responsibility of representing #Arizona in the U.S. Senate. I look forward to working with her and Senator-Elect @kyrstensinema to get positive things done.

— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) December 18, 2018

“Over the last year, I’ve traveled across this great state, meeting with countless Arizonans, and listening to them,” McSally said. “I’ve heard about the challenges they face and the hopes they have for the future and I’ve learned a lot. I am humbled and grateful to have this opportunity to serve and be a voice for all Arizonans. I look forward to working with Senator-elect Kyrsten Sinema and getting to work from day one.”

McSally will replace Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ), who was originally appointed after McCain’s passing in August.

“Because she currently represents Arizona in the US Congress, Martha McSally certainly has the knowledge and experience to represent our state in the Senate. Moreover, she is highly energetic, smart and committed to finding practical solutions to problems facing our state and Nation. She is an excellent choice” Kyl said about McSally’s appointment.

“My husband’s greatest legacy was placing service to AZ & USA ahead of his own self-interest. I respect @dougducey‘s decision to appoint @RepMcSally to fill the remainder of his term. Arizonans will be pulling for her, hoping that she will follow his example of selfless leadership,” tweeted Cindy McCain.

My husband’s greatest legacy was placing service to AZ & USA ahead of his own self-interest. I respect @dougducey‘s decision to appoint @RepMcSally to fill the remainder of his term. Arizonans will be pulling for her, hoping that she will follow his example of selfless leadership

— Cindy McCain (@cindymccain) December 18, 2018

Earlier this year, McSally was the Republican nominee in the United States Senate race to replace Sen. Jeff Flake (R-AZ).

McSally ran against now Sen.-elect Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) in a race that was deemed one of the closest and most expensive Senate races in recent history.

McSally is finishing her term representing Arizona’s second congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Prior to her time in office, McSally graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy and was the first female pilot to fly a fighter jet in combat and command a fighter squadron during her more than two decades in the military.

Kyl, who resigned last week, will be leaving office on Dec. 31, 2018.

Governor Ducey announced at a press conference this morning that Sen.-elect Sinema will be sworn in before McSally in early January.