Lindsey Graham Dies at 71; Sister Named to Fill Senate Seat

Sen. Lindsey Graham’s sudden death left South Carolina without its senior senator and shifted the balance of power in a narrowly divided chamber. The 71-year-old Republican collapsed at his Capitol Hill home Saturday evening after returning from a trip to Ukraine.

Graham called his scheduler to report chest pains and asked her to summon help, according to Sen. Tommy Tuberville. Paramedics arrived around 8:30 p.m. and began CPR; Graham was pronounced dead shortly after 2 a.m. Sunday. The District of Columbia medical examiner’s office attributed the death to aortic dissection caused by arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

President Trump spoke with Graham by phone around 7 p.m. Saturday and later described him as sounding tired but otherwise well. Graham had planned to appear on NBC’s “Meet the Press” the next morning to discuss foreign policy before seeking medical care.

Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to serve the remainder of the term. She was sworn in Tuesday. Trump had publicly recommended the appointment, calling it a fitting tribute.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the chamber already felt emptier without Graham. Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., issued a statement noting decades of service together despite partisan differences. Colleagues across both parties described Graham as tireless, often traveling during recesses to advance legislation on sanctions, Ukraine support, and Middle East issues.

Graham, first elected to the House in 1994 and the Senate in 2003, built a record centered on foreign policy and constituent service. His death leaves the Republican majority with one fewer vote until a special election is held.