Sen. Lindsey Graham Dies at 71
Sen. Lindsey Graham, a longtime South Carolina Republican and close ally of President Donald Trump, died Saturday evening following what his office described as a “brief and sudden illness.” He was 71.
His office announced the death early Sunday. No details about the illness were immediately released.
“The Graham family appreciates the prayers and well wishes on behalf of Senator Graham and asks for privacy during this difficult time,” the statement said.
Trump reacted Sunday morning in a post on Truth Social, calling Graham “one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known.”
“He was always working, and was a true American Patriot,” Trump wrote. “Lindsey will be greatly missed.”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota said his heart was heavy following the death of his friend and colleague. He described Graham as a strong advocate for the United States and for nations fighting to remain free.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also mourned Graham, who was one of Israel’s strongest supporters in Congress.
“Israel has lost one of its greatest friends,” Netanyahu said. “America has lost a great patriot. I have lost a beloved friend.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called Graham “a true defender of freedom” and thanked him for supporting Ukraine during its war with Russia. Graham had visited Kyiv shortly before his death and continued to call for tougher sanctions against Moscow.
Graham had represented South Carolina in the Senate since 2003 and was seeking another term in November. He previously served four terms in the U.S. House.
A former Air Force lawyer, Graham was an outspoken voice on national security, Israel, Ukraine and Iran. He chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee and most recently led the Senate Budget Committee.
Graham was a Southern Baptist and a member of Corinth Baptist Church in Seneca, South Carolina.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster is expected to appoint a temporary replacement. Graham’s death reduces the Republican majority in the Senate while the party prepares for the November elections.
Funeral arrangements had not been announced Sunday morning.
Graham’s death temporarily leaves Republicans with a 52-47 advantage in the Senate until McMaster appoints a successor. The narrow margin has drawn more attention to the prolonged absence of Kentucky Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell, who has been hospitalized since June 14 with an undisclosed health problem. McConnell’s office says he is recovering and remains involved in Senate business, and he has not announced plans to resign.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, has called for more information about McConnell’s condition. If McConnell’s seat became vacant, however, Beshear could not appoint a Democratic replacement. Kentucky law requires the seat to remain vacant until voters choose a successor in a special election.
–Lee Hartman, Metro Voice and wire services
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