Politics & World • Politician

John McCain

John McCain was an American politician and United States Navy officer who represented Arizona in the U.S.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

John McCain was an American politician and United States Navy officer who represented Arizona in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. He was the Republican Party's nominee for president in 2008 and lost to Barack Obama. McCain was a Vietnam War prisoner of war and remained a prominent public figure until his death in 2018.

Early life and military service

McCain was born in 1936 in the Panama Canal Zone and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1958. He served as a naval aviator during the Vietnam War, where he was shot down and spent more than five years as a prisoner of war.

Political career

After leaving the Navy, McCain entered politics and was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Arizona in 1982. He later served in the U.S. Senate from 1987 until 2018 and became one of the chamber's most visible figures.

Presidential campaigns

McCain sought the Republican presidential nomination in 2000 and won it in 2008. In the 2008 general election, he and running mate Sarah Palin were defeated by Democrat Barack Obama.

Public image and legacy

McCain was known for his independent streak, bipartisan work, and frequent clashes with his own party's leadership. He died of brain cancer in 2018 and was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2022.

Key facts

Served in the U.S. Navy from 1958 to 1981 and reached the rank of captain.
Was shot down over Vietnam in 1967 and held as a prisoner of war until 1973.
Represented Arizona in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1983 to 1987.
Served in the U.S. Senate from 1987 until his death in 2018.
Won the Republican nomination for president in 2008 but lost the general election to Barack Obama.

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Canadian context

McCain was a major figure in U.S. politics whose views on security, trade, and foreign policy often affected Canada-U.S. relations and North American policy debates.

Frequently asked questions

Who was John McCain?

John McCain was an American politician, Navy officer, and U.S. senator from Arizona who was the Republican nominee for president in 2008.

What was John McCain known for in the military?

He was a Vietnam War pilot who was shot down in 1967 and held as a prisoner of war until 1973.

What offices did John McCain hold?

He served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1983 to 1987 and in the U.S. Senate from 1987 until his death in 2018.

Did John McCain win the presidency?

No. He won the Republican nomination in 2008 but lost the general election to Barack Obama.

When did John McCain die?

John McCain died on August 25, 2018, in Cornville, Arizona.

Was John McCain awarded any major honours?

Yes. His honours included the Silver Star, Purple Heart, Legion of Merit, and, posthumously, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

References

Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-McCain
Supports: Birth, death, party affiliation, offices held, and presidential candidacy.
U.S. Naval Academy — https://www.usna.edu/Notables/featured/04mccain.php
Supports: Naval Academy graduation, Navy service, prisoner of war history, awards, Senate service, and presidential campaigns.
Arizona State University McCain Library and Museum — https://mccainlibrary.asu.edu/john-mccain
Supports: Biographical overview, military background, Senate service, and presidential nomination in 2008.
BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-45312217
Supports: Death at age 81 and summary of his role as a senator and presidential candidate.
CNN — https://www.cnn.com/2013/02/22/us/john-mccain-fast-facts
Supports: Birth details, military service, awards, and posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom.