Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a prominent voice on defense and foreign policy for nearly three decades, died Sunday following a brief illness at age 71.
Emergency responders were dispatched to Graham’s Capitol Hill residence Saturday night after receiving a report of possible cardiac arrest, according to police scanner audio obtained by NBC News. Paramedics transported an individual on a stretcher from the home to a waiting ambulance, with police vehicles and fire trucks present at the scene.
Graham’s family released a statement Sunday morning saying he died “from a brief and sudden illness.” “Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period,” the statement said.
Political Reactions
President Donald Trump announced Graham’s death on Truth Social, describing him as “one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known” and calling him “a true American Patriot.” Senate Majority Leader John Thune paid tribute to Graham as “a strong advocate for the United States and a strong ally to freedom-loving countries across the globe.”
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said Graham had been “the fiercest of fighters for South Carolina and America-and a loyal and steadfast friend.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Graham had visited Kyiv just days before his death and called him “a true defender of freedom.”
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said Graham “was a powerful advocate for America who believed strongly in the NATO Alliance and was actively working to bring an end to Russia’s war against Ukraine.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, “Israel has lost one of its greatest friends. America has lost a great patriot.”
Graham’s Senate Career and Legacy
Graham, 71, had served in the Senate for decades and was chairman of the Senate Budget Committee. He was running for a fifth six-year term scheduled for November and had secured the Republican nomination in June after defeating several primary challengers.
A senior Graham aide told NBC News early Sunday that there had been no indication the senator was experiencing health problems before his death. Graham had been scheduled to appear on NBC News’ Meet the Press Sunday morning, a program on which he had been a frequent guest with 63 appearances over the years.
According to South Carolina law, Gov. McMaster will appoint someone to fill Graham’s seat until January 3, 2027. State election law is expected to require a special primary by August 11 for Republicans to select a new nominee for the general election.
International Engagement
Just days before his death, Graham had traveled to Kyiv, where he met with Zelenskyy on Friday. Zelenskyy said Graham had visited the war-torn country 10 times since Russia’s invasion in February 2022 and was working on initiatives that could help strengthen sanctions against Russia.
Graham was a leading voice within the Republican Party on defense and foreign policy issues throughout his tenure in the Senate. His international engagement reflected his consistent focus on strengthening American alliances and supporting democratic values globally.
This story has been updated. CNN’s staff contributed to this report.
