Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, has died at the age of 71, according to a statement from his office. His death occurred on Saturday night due to a 'brief and sudden illness.' Graham was a prominent political figure, having served in the Senate since 2003 and was known for his close relationship with former President Donald Trump.
Emergency personnel responded to a call for cardiac arrest at Graham's home on Capitol Hill. A staff member indicated that there were no prior signs of illness, and Graham was scheduled to appear on NBC's 'Meet the Press' the following day. Tributes have poured in from various political figures, including President Trump, who called him a 'true American Patriot.'
Graham was the chairman of the Senate Budget Committee and was campaigning for a fifth term in the upcoming November elections. Following his passing, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster will appoint someone to fill his Senate seat until January 3 of the following year. Graham recently returned from a trip to Ukraine, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss military aid and sanctions against Russia.
Graham was known for his strong advocacy on defense and foreign policy issues, working closely with both Republican and Democratic colleagues on these matters. He served in the U.S. Air Force and was a member of Congress from 1995 to 2003 before being elected to the Senate. His death follows a recent hospitalization of fellow Republican Senator Mitch McConnell, who is recovering from cardiac issues.