McCain wasn’t from Arizona, he was from Virginia. His wealthy wife, who bankrolled his political ambitions, is a beer heiress from Arizona. McCain has remained in office because of her deep pockets, and his willingness to crush anyone who stood against him. Not just personally, but professionally, as well as their family and friends.
While the family may have originated back there, I believe he had been living with Carol in California. They stopped cohabiting about two months before he married Cindy.
At the time the Reagans and I believe Meese too went to Carol’s defense to help her through rough times.
I agree with your general take on it other than that.
Cindy was his meal ticket from then on out.