Arizona Governor Doug Ducey has appointed former Republican Congresswoman Martha McSally to fill late Senator John McCain's seat.

"All her life, Martha has put service first — leading in the toughest of fights and at the toughest of times,” Ducey released in a statement Tuesday morning. “She served 26 years in the military; deployed six times to the Middle East and Afghanistan; was the first woman to fly in combat and command a fighter squadron in combat; and she’s represented Southern Arizona in Congress for the past four years. 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.”

All her life, @RepMcSally has put service first — leading in the toughest of fights. With her experience and record of service, Martha is uniquely qualified to fight for #Arizona in the U.S. Senate. https://t.co/QYY8vrd7K4 — 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.”

Senator Jon Kyl, who was appointed by Ducey in September to temporarily fill McCain's seat, is applauding the move.

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

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

This story has been updated with additional information.