(Phoenix, AZ) -- Former Republican Senator Jon Kyl will replace the late John McCain. Arizona Governor Doug Ducey made the announcement official in Phoenix today. He said McCain's death created a huge void but said Kyl is a beacon of integrity who is highly respected in the Senate. Republican Kyl served alongside McCain during 18 years in the Senate. He retired in 2013. Republican McCain died August 25th after a long battle with brain cancer. Kyl agreed to fill the Senate seat until the end of the year. Ducey said he hopes Kyl will decide to remain in the seat until 2020 but Kyl was noncommittal.