John McCain, the six-term Arizona senator and 2008 Republican presidential nominee, has died. He was 81. The news comes after his family announced Friday that McCain had chosen to discontinue medical treatment for his brain cancer.
The senator, who would have turned 82 next week, had been away from the Capitol since December. Recent reports indicated that If he chose to resign his seat or upon his death, Republican Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey would name a replacement through the 2020 election. No word on when that will be announced. The winner of that election will reportedly serve the remainder of McCain’s term through 2022.
The GOP currently holds a bare 51-49 Senate majority.
He will lay in state in Arizona's capitol building on Wednesday, on what would have been his 82nd birthday.
He'll be laid to rest the following day, Thursday, at the North Phoenix Baptist Church.
McCain was a frequent target of criticism from President Donald Trump, especially for his vote against a Republican replacement for “Obamacare,” the health care law approved under President Barack Obama.
Trump signed a military policy bill this month named for McCain, but in a sign of their testy relationship the president made no mention of McCain’s name in remarks at a signing ceremony.
The son and grandson of Navy admirals, McCain was a former Navy pilot and was held as a prisoner of war in Vietnam for more than five years. He was elected to Congress in the early 1980s and elected to the Senate in 1986, replacing Barry Goldwater who retired. McCain gained a reputation as a lawmaker who was willing to stick to his convictions rather than go along with party leaders. It is a streak that draws a mix of respect and ire.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell released a statement on Twitter with news of the passing of his dear friend and colleague. It said in part that "the nation mourns the loss of a great American patriot".
“In an era filled with cynicism about national unity and public service, John McCain’s life shone as a bright example. He showed us that boundless patriotism and self-sacrifice are not outdated concepts or clichés, but the building blocks of an extraordinary American life."
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote in a tweet last night: "Senator John McCain was an American patriot and hero whose sacrifices for his country, and lifetime of public service, were an inspiration to millions. Canadians join Americans tonight in celebrating his life and mourning his passing."
Former Prime Minister Stephen Harper also expressed his sympathies, calling McCain an American hero.
"Laureen and I are saddened to learn of the untimely loss of a great American hero, Senator John McCain. His valour comes second only to his service and dedication to family and country. May he Rest In Peace."
Before news of his death was even announced, Arizona Gov. Ducey also called McCain “an American hero” who always put his country before himself.
Ducey said a “spirt of service and civility” guided McCain’s life, standing as a model for Americans regardless of political affiliation.
McCain’s wife, Cindy, tweeted: “My heart is broken. I am so lucky to have lived the adventure of loving this incredible man for 38 years. He passed the way he lived, on his own terms, surrounded by the people he loved, in the the place he loved best."
McCain underwent surgery in July 2017 to remove a blood clot in his brain after being diagnosed with an aggressive tumor called a glioblastoma. It’s the same type of tumor that killed Sen. Edward M. Kennedy at age 77 in 2009.
McCain rebounded quickly, however, returning to Washington and entering the Senate in late July to a standing ovation from his colleagues. In a dramatic turn, he later cast a deciding vote against the Republican health care bill, earning the wrath of Trump, who frequently cited McCain’s vote at campaign events.
Despite their contentious relationship, late yesterday, President Donald Trump tweeted: "My deepest sympathies and respect go out to the family of Senator John McCain. Our hearts and prayers are with you!"
McCain ran unsuccessfully for the Republican presidential nomination in 2000, then won it in 2008 before losing the general election to Obama.
He returned to the Senate, determined not to be defined by a failed presidential campaign in which his reputation as a maverick had faded.
When Republicans took control of the Senate in 2015, McCain, the scion in a decorated military family, embraced his new influence as chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, pushing for aggressive U.S. military intervention overseas and eager to contribute to “defeating the forces of radical Islam that want to destroy America.”
Asked how he wanted to be remembered, McCain had said simply: “That I made a major contribution to the defense of the nation.”
-With files from Heather Seaman and Jackie Rosen