Highly Contested Primary Election was won by John McCain

Growing family

In 1984, McCain and Cindy had their first child together, daughter Meghan, followed two years later by son John Sidney (Jack) IV, and in 1988 by son James (Jimmy).  

In 1991, Cindy McCain brought an abandoned three-month-old girl needing medical treatment to the U.S. from a Bangladeshi orphanage run by Mother Teresa.  The McCains decided to adopt her and named her Bridget.

 

The John and Cindy McCain residence in Phoenix, Az.

McCain decided to leave the Navy. It was doubtful whether he would ever be promoted to the rank of full admiral, as he had poor annual physicals and had not been given a major sea command.

His chances of being promoted to rear admiral were better, but he declined that prospect, as he had already made plans to run for Congress and said he could "do more good there."

 

McCain retired from the Navy on April 1, 1981,  as a captain.   He was designated as disabled and awarded a disability pension.   Upon leaving the military, he moved to Arizona.

His numerous military decorations and awards include the Silver Star, two Legion of Merits, Distinguished Flying Cross, three Bronze Star Medals, two Purple Hearts, two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and the Prisoner of War Medal.

McCain won a highly contested primary election with the assistance of local political endorsements, his Washington connections, and money that his wife lent to his campaign.  He then easily won the general election in the heavily Republican district.

McCain in 1983, during his first term in the House of Representatives