If Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) had lived long enough to pick a successor, he likely would’ve wanted a Hispanic woman to replace him, his former campaign manager speculated on Monday, after reading a letter of McCain’s last words to reporters.
“He’s always been someone who’s encouraged participation in politics, especially in the Republican Party, with minorities and women,” McCain’s aide and close friend Rick Davis said during a news conference, according to the local Arizona Central. “I think a Hispanic woman probably would’ve been his pick for a successor if he would’ve lived long enough.”
Davis based that assessment off of what McCain had contemplated over the years when he envisioned his retirement.
“I think he had a different plan in mind in those days, and I think he was looking forward to retiring after this last term in office and enjoying that back porch in Sedona,” he told reporters. “…He never got that far.”
Davis’ suggestion of McCain’s wishes doesn’t line up with the primarily white and male field of candidates Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey (R) is rumored to be considering. Ducey, who reportedly is also looking out for his own political skin as he mulls a replacement, has said that he will not announce McCain’s successor until after his interment.
Read AZ Central’s full report here.