Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) died Saturday night at age 71, his office announced early Sunday, citing a “brief and sudden illness.” A recording of an emergency call to his residence Saturday evening reportedly referenced cardiac arrest, though his office hasn’t released further medical details.
Graham had just returned from a trip to Kyiv on Friday, where he met with President Zelensky to discuss Ukraine’s air defense needs and a Russia sanctions package the two had reportedly reached agreement on. He was chairman of the Senate Budget Committee and had recently won his party’s primary for a fifth term, with the general election set for November.
Tributes poured in quickly. President Trump called him “one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known” and a “true American Patriot.” Senate Majority Leader John Thune, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, and fellow senators including Tim Scott and Roger Wicker also paid tribute. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog offered condolences, citing Graham’s long-standing support for Israel, while Ukraine’s Zelensky called him “a true defender of freedom.”
Under South Carolina law, Gov. McMaster will appoint a replacement to serve until January 3, 2027, and Republicans are expected to hold a special primary by August 11 to find a new nominee for the November Senate race.
