Former Sen. Jon Kyl is back at the job. This afternoon Vice President Mike Pence swore Kyl into office, officially taking the place of the late Sen. John McCain.
Arizona’s senior senator, Jeff Flake, who replaced Kyl, was by his side.
Kyl served with McCain for 18 years, prior to retiring from the senate in January, 2013.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) praised Kyl from the Senate floor saying he is “as well equipped as you can imagine” to follow in McCain’s footsteps.
“Our friend and former colleague, Senator Jon Kyl, is one of the most serious, most expert, most effective legislators with whom I’ve had the pleasure of serving,” McConnell said.
Kyl also has the support of McCain’s family. His wife, Cindy, and daughter, Meghan, both tweeted their appreciation of the choice.
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey (R) announced on Tuesday that he was appointing Kyl to fill McCain’s seat. Under state election law, Kyl could hold the seat through a special election that will be held in 2020.
But it’s unclear if Kyl will stay in the Senate through 2020.