(CNN) Arizona Republican Gov. Doug Ducey chose former US Sen. Jon Kyl to replace the late John McCain in the Senate, the governor said at a news conference Tuesday.

Kyl's appointment means the Republican attorney who had been guiding President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh, through the confirmation process will now have a vote on Kavanaugh's confirmation.

In choosing Kyl, Ducey tapped a figure who is well-liked by both Trump's political team and McCain's family and allies. However, with Kyl saying he won't run for re-election, it also leaves open the possibility of a bruising primary in 2020.

Under Arizona law, Ducey is responsible for appointing a McCain replacement until a November 2020 special election. The winner of that special election will fill the remaining two years of McCain's term. Then, in 2022, the seat will be on the ballot for a full six-year term.

Ducey said at the news conference it's not clear whether Kyl will remain in the Senate through 2020. And Kyl said he won't run for re-election.

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