Lindsey Graham Dead After Brief And Unexpected Illness, His Office Says

U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham Dies at 71 After Brief Illness, Office Says

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina, died Saturday evening after a brief and sudden illness, his office stated in a social media post. He was 71. The office provided no further details on the cause and said Graham’s family requested prayers and privacy.

President Donald Trump posted on social media early Sunday that Graham “is dead” and described him as “one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known.” Trump added that Graham “was always working, and was a true American Patriot” and that “Lindsey will be greatly missed.” Details on arrangements were to follow.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., stated that his “heart is heavy” upon learning of the death of his colleague. Thune noted Graham’s service in the Air Force and in Congress, which took him to various regions, and said Graham advocated for the United States and supported freedom-loving countries. Thune added that Graham believed in the capacity of the United States to achieve positive outcomes globally and devoted his life to that effort.

Graham was first elected to the Senate in 2002 after serving in the House of Representatives. He had previously worked as an Air Force lawyer. Throughout his Senate tenure he supported robust U.S. military engagement and strong national defense spending. In later years these positions placed him in contrast with members of the Republican Party who favored reduced overseas involvement.

Graham ran briefly for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016 against Trump. Early in that cycle Graham described Trump as unfit for office and used strong language in response to Trump’s remarks about the late Sen. John McCain, a close friend of Graham’s. McCain, Graham, and former Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut were frequently referred to as the “Three Amigos” for their joint travel promoting interventionist foreign policy positions.

During the 2016 campaign Trump publicly read Graham’s personal cellphone number at a rally in South Carolina and continued to criticize him. Graham stated he would not support Trump as the nominee. After Trump’s election, Graham’s relationship with the president changed. He became a frequent adviser and golfing companion. In a 2018 interview with The Associated Press, Graham said McCain had taught him that the country moves forward after elections and that elected officials have an obligation to assist the president. Graham added that he tried to be helpful because he believed Trump needed support and that effective criticism is possible when one has first attempted to aid success.

After the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol events Graham stated he was breaking with Trump, saying “Count me out. Enough is enough.” He later resumed a close working relationship during Trump’s second term.

Graham advised on foreign policy topics including Iran and Russia. On Friday he announced an agreement with the Trump administration to advance a package of sanctions related to Russia. He had traveled to Ukraine ten times during Russia’s full-scale invasion, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy stated that Graham was “a true defender of freedom and the values that make our world safer.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement Sunday describing Graham as “a great friend of Israel” and “a cherished friend of mine.” Netanyahu said Graham viewed the security of Israel and the United States as linked and had devoted his career to defending the United States, strengthening the bilateral alliance, and supporting the free world. Netanyahu extended condolences to Graham’s family and the American people.

At the time of his death Graham chaired the Senate Budget Committee. The committee managed the reconciliation process that permitted Senate Republicans to advance legislation on party-line votes without the possibility of a Democratic filibuster. Graham had previously chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee during the 2020 confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court. He was positioned to regain that chairmanship if Republicans retained Senate control after the 2026 midterms.

In 2013 Graham participated in the bipartisan “Gang of Eight” that produced a comprehensive immigration bill. The measure passed the Senate by a 68-32 vote but was not considered by the House. Graham’s support for a pathway to citizenship for individuals present without legal status drew opposition from some Republican primary challengers in South Carolina. He nevertheless secured the party nomination in June for a fifth term and was scheduled to face Democrat Annie Andrews in the November general election. In his victory speech Graham told supporters he would assist the president in changing the country and the world.

Graham was not married and had no children. His closest living relative was his sister, Darline Graham Nordone, whom he helped raise after the deaths of their parents.

The limited information released by Graham’s office occurs amid broader discussion of transparency regarding lawmakers’ health. Rep. Tom Kean Jr., R-N.J., was absent from Congress for an extended period before disclosing a depression diagnosis. Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., was recently hospitalized for reasons that were not immediately made public.

Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate. Under South Carolina law, Gov. Henry McMaster will appoint a temporary successor who will serve until January. McMaster described Graham as irreplaceable and as “the fiercest of fighters for South Carolina and America — and a loyal and steadfast friend.” He added that “we shall not see his likes again.”

Graham’s travels brought him into contact with numerous foreign leaders. His office photograph from May 2026 showed him questioning Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine during a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing on the 2027 defense budget. Another image from February 2026 captured him speaking in the Oval Office as Trump listened during a bill-signing event on immigration enforcement and Department of Homeland Security funding. A photograph provided by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Office showed Graham shaking hands with Zelenskyy in Kyiv on July 10, 2026.

Graham’s career included repeated primary contests in South Carolina that he won, most recently in June. His foreign policy travels included multiple visits to conflict zones and allied capitals. Colleagues across party lines and foreign officials issued statements noting his consistent focus on national defense and alliance relationships.

The Senate will proceed with appointment procedures under state law while members of both parties issue statements on Graham’s record of service in the Air Force, House, and Senate. Arrangements for services will be announced separately.