WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-01) released the following statement on the passing of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor:

“Sandra Day O’Connor led a remarkable life as our nation’s first female Supreme Court Justice. An iconic daughter of Arizona, she blazed trails for women everywhere. She was an esteemed jurist who often played a pivotal role on the Supreme Court.

“I was fortunate to first meet Justice O’Connor as a teenager when she was kind enough to spend a few minutes of her time with a group of Arizona Teenage Republicans from Saguaro High School at the Arizona State Capitol as she was making her meteoric rise in state politics, leaving a lasting impression that I still hold with me to this day.

“She represented the best of Arizona throughout her extraordinary life, and we are better off because of her contributions and commitment to public service. My prayers are with her family as we mourn her passing.”