(By Staff Reporter, WASHINGTON, D.C.)
Veteran Republican Lindsey Graham died suddenly on Saturday at the age of 71 after a brief illness, according to a statement released by his office. Graham, one of the most influential figures on defense and foreign policy in the United States Senate, had returned to Washington, D.C. just a day earlier following a diplomatic visit to Ukraine, where he met with Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss continued U.S. military support and additional sanctions on Russia.
Donald Trump said he had spoken with Graham shortly before his death and recalled that the senator mentioned feeling “a little tired” after returning from his overseas trip. Trump described Graham as “one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known.” Tributes also poured in from Democratic and Republican lawmakers, as well as leaders from Ukraine, Israel and other allied nations, recognizing Graham’s decades of service and his longstanding commitment to U.S. national security.
Graham was first elected to the Senate in 2002 and took office in 2003, serving for more than two decades. Throughout his tenure, he emerged as a prominent Republican voice on defense policy, judicial appointments and international affairs, helping shape key legislative and foreign policy decisions.
Following his death, attention has turned to South Carolina’s succession process. Under state law, Henry McMaster is expected to appoint an interim senator who will serve until voters elect a permanent successor. Graham’s passing temporarily reduces the Republican majority in the Senate and is expected to have significant political implications ahead of the November 3, 2026 election.
