Long-serving Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, 71, died early Sunday after a brief and sudden illness, according to reports, stunning the political establishment and President Donald Trump.
Emergency responders were dispatched to Graham’s Capitol Hill residence Saturday night after a call reported possible cardiac arrest, according to police scanner audio obtained by NBC News. Paramedics transported an individual on a stretcher from the home to an awaiting ambulance, with police vehicles and fire trucks present at the scene.
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’s Meet the Press Sunday morning, a program on which he had been a frequent guest, making 63 appearances over the years.
Reaction From Leaders
President Donald Trump announced Graham’s passing on Truth Social, writing: “Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, is dead! He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!!”
“Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period,” a family statement said.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Graham had been 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 said in a statement that Graham “was a true defender of freedom and of the values that make our world safer,” noting Graham had visited Ukraine 10 times since Russia’s 2022 invasion. “We were in constant dialogue, which I will miss,” Zelenskyy added.
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 said Graham “devoted his life to defending America, strengthening our alliance and standing up for the free world,” adding that “Israel has lost one of its greatest friends.”
Senate Seat and Political Impact
Graham was serving as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee and was running for a fifth six-year term in the Senate this November. Per South Carolina law, Gov. McMaster will appoint someone to fill Graham’s seat until Jan. 3, 2027.
Graham had secured the Republican nomination for a fifth Senate term in June after defeating several primary challengers. South Carolina Republicans must now select a new nominee, with state election law expected to require a special primary by Aug. 11.
Graham was one of the chamber’s most recognizable members and a leading voice within his party on defense and foreign policy issues. Just days before his death, he had traveled to Kyiv, where he met Friday with Zelenskyy to discuss initiatives aimed at strengthening sanctions against Russia and bringing peace closer to the region.
Broader Context
Graham’s death comes as fellow Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky continues to recover in the hospital after emergency responders were dispatched to a residence linked to the senator last month following a report of a person in cardiac arrest. A spokesperson for McConnell has said the former Senate Republican leader is recovering, but his office has released few additional details about his condition.
This story has been updated. CNN’s reporting team contributed to this report.
