Former McCain Campaign Manager — Wanted Latina Woman To Replace Him

"He's always been someone who's encouraged participation in politics, especially in the Republican Party, with minorities and women," Rick Davis said during a news conference.

"I think a Hispanic woman probably would've been his pick for a successor if he would've lived long enough."

Davis declined to go into further detail about McCain's wishes or speculate on specific appointment possibilities, confirming only that the senator had contemplated what the replacement process would look like over the years.

"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 said. "…He never got that far."