PHOENIX — A former U.S. senator from Arizona who is now a lobbyist helping guide the confirmation of U.S. Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh was named Tuesday to temporarily fill the Senate seat left open by the death of John McCain.

Jon Kyl cited his sense of duty in accepting the appointment but said he’s only committing to serve until the end of the congressional session next Jan. 3.

Despite the short window, he will likely be able to vote for Kavanaugh as the Supreme Court nominee.

Kyl, 76, retired from the Senate after three terms in 2012 and became a lobbyist. He said he wanted to spend more time with his family in Arizona but will reluctantly return to Washington to help finish the nation’s business, including confirming the president’s judicial nominees.

“I’m putting my country first, just as this seat’s previous occupant did every single day for more than 30 years,” Kyl said of McCain.

Kyl was appointed by Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, a fellow Republican.