Washington woke up to sobering news today. Senator Lindsey Graham, the South Carolina Republican and one of the Senate’s most prominent voices on foreign policy, died Saturday night after a brief and sudden illness. He was 71.
Graham’s office confirmed his death in a statement early Sunday morning.
“On the evening of Saturday, July 11, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham passed away from a brief and sudden illness,” the statement read. “Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period.”
Emergency crews responded to a call for cardiac arrest at Graham’s Capitol Hill home Saturday night, according to police scanner audio. Meanwhile, a top staffer told reporters that nothing had signaled the senator was unwell beforehand. Notably, Graham had just returned from a trip to Ukraine and was scheduled to appear on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that Sunday morning.
A Career Spanning Three Decades
Graham first arrived in Washington in 1995 as a member of the House of Representatives. Afterward, he won the South Carolina Senate seat once held by Strom Thurmond in 2002, and voters returned him to office three more times, in 2008, 2014, and 2020.
Throughout his career, Graham built a reputation as one of the chamber’s most outspoken hawks on foreign policy. He pushed hard for an interventionist approach to global affairs, backing military action against Iran and standing firmly behind Ukraine’s fight against Russia. In addition, he formed a close bond with the late Senator John McCain, and together with Joe Lieberman, the trio became known as the “Three Amigos” for their shared hawkish stance on world affairs.
“Graham was the Republicans’ last highly effective advocate for the idea that American power must shape events before hostile powers reshape them,” said Michael A. Horowitz, a geopolitical and security analyst.
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Initially, Graham criticized Donald Trump during the 2016 campaign. However, he later became one of the former president’s closest allies in the Senate.
Tributes Pour In From World Leaders
Trump led the tributes on Sunday, calling Graham “one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known” in a post on Truth Social. “He was always working, and was a true American Patriot,” Trump wrote. “Lindsey will be greatly missed!!!”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also mourned Graham’s passing.
“Lindsey understood that the security of Israel and America are inseparable,” Netanyahu said. “Israel has lost one of its greatest friends. America has lost a great patriot. I have lost a beloved friend.”
Furthermore, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster expressed his grief in a statement. “Lindsey Graham is irreplaceable,” McMaster said. “The fiercest of fighters for South Carolina and America — and a loyal and steadfast friend.”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune likewise praised Graham as “a strong advocate for the United States and a strong ally to freedom-loving countries across the globe.”
A Seat Left Vacant
Graham chaired the Senate Budget Committee at the time of his death. He had also just won the Republican primary for a fifth Senate term, with the general election set for November. Consequently, South Carolina officials must now determine how to fill his seat.
Ultimately, Graham’s death closes a chapter on more than three decades of service in Congress. From his early days in the House to his rise as a leading voice on national security, his influence touched nearly every major foreign policy debate of his era. Details on funeral arrangements have not yet been released.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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