Sinema Statement on Justice Sandra Day O’Connor’s Passing

Dec 1, 2023

WASHINGTON – Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema released the following statement on the passing of Sandra Day O’Connor, America’s first female Supreme Court Justice:

“Justice Sandra Day O’Connor – Arizona’s original cowgirl – paved the way for countless women like me in law and life. She was fiercely independent just like Arizona, and she worked tirelessly to do what’s best for our state and country. Arizona and America are grateful for her service and leadership.

“My heart is with her family and loved ones. Our state and country will miss her dearly.”

Sinema, Arizona’s first female elected U.S. Senator, and alumna of ASU’s Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law, gave the Convocation Address to the Class of 2019, where she spoke how Justice O’Connor’s Arizona roots inspired and paved the way for her and other women pursuing careers in law and public service.

In 2022, both chambers of Congress approved a bipartisan resolution cosponsored by Sinemaauthorizing the permanent placement of statues honoring U.S. Supreme Court Justices Sandra Day O’Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg in the U.S. Capitol.

In 2019, following Sinema’s efforts, the National Park Service formally added the Sandra Day O’Connor House to the National Register of Historic Places.