Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., died Saturday night after a brief and sudden illness, his office said in a statement early Sunday. He was 71.
“Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period,” the statement said. A spokeswoman told MS NOW that Graham had just returned from a trip to Ukraine, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday, and said more information would come in the coming days.
Emergency personnel responded to a call for cardiac arrest at Graham’s Capitol Hill home Saturday night, according to police scanner audio obtained by NBC News. A top Graham staffer said there was no indication the senator had been feeling unwell before his death.
Graham was first elected to the Senate in 2002 and was seeking a fifth term after winning his primary in June. He chaired the Senate Budget Committee and served on the Appropriations, Judiciary and Environment and Public Works committees.
President Donald Trump called Graham “one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known” in a Truth Social post. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster also paid tribute, and McMaster will appoint a replacement to serve until Jan. 3.
South Carolina Republicans must now find a new nominee, with a special primary expected by Aug. 11 under state election law.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.