Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent Republican voice on foreign policy who had just returned from Ukraine to advance a Russia sanctions package, died Saturday night at his Washington home at age 71.
Graham was in Kyiv on Friday meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss additional sanctions against Russia over its ongoing invasion. Emergency responders were dispatched to his Capitol Hill residence Saturday evening 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 an ambulance, with police vehicles and fire trucks present at the scene. Graham’s family said he died “from a brief and sudden illness,” according to NBC News.
Final Hours and Recent Activities
Less than 24 hours before his death, Graham expressed plans to advance a new Russia sanctions package upon returning to Washington. “When I get back to Washington, I’m gonna go with Sen. [Richard] Blumenthal to the Republican and Democratic leader, to see if we can find time to move this Russian sanctions package that will give tools to President Trump to help end this war,” he said.
Graham had been scheduled to appear on NBC News’ Meet the Press Sunday morning, a program where he had made 63 appearances throughout his career. A senior aide told NBC News early Sunday there had been “no indication the senator was experiencing health problems” before his death.
Tributes and Legacy
President Trump announced Graham’s death 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.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Graham “was a true defender of freedom and of the values that make our world safer,” noting he had visited Ukraine 10 times since Russia’s 2022 invasion. “In recent weeks he worked on important initiatives that could help bring peace closer, including strengthening sanctions against Russia,” Zelenskyy added.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte called Graham “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 he “devoted his life to defending America, strengthening our alliance and standing up for the free world.”
Senate Position and Succession
Graham served as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee and was running for a fifth six-year term in the November election. He had secured the Republican nomination in June after defeating primary challengers.
Under South Carolina law, Governor Henry McMaster will appoint a replacement to fill Graham’s seat until January 3, 2027. South Carolina Republicans must select a new nominee for the general election, with state law expected to require a special primary by August 11.
This story has been updated. CNN’s staff contributed to this report.
