Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent Republican voice on foreign policy, died Saturday evening at his Washington, D.C., home after a brief illness.
Graham, 71, was serving as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee and had been actively engaged in legislative work throughout the day. Emergency responders were dispatched to his Capitol Hill residence Saturday night after receiving a call reporting possible cardiac arrest, according to police scanner audio obtained by NBC News.
What Happened
A senior Graham aide told NBC News early Sunday that there had been no indication the senator was experiencing health problems before his death. Photographs reviewed by NBC News showed paramedics transporting an individual on a stretcher from the home to a waiting ambulance, with police vehicles and fire trucks also present at the scene.
Graham’s family released a statement saying, “Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period.” According to NBC News, Graham passed after Saturday night from a brief and sudden illness.
Recent Activity
Just hours before his death, Graham was focused on advancing foreign policy priorities. Less than a day earlier, he was in Kyiv, Ukraine, meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss a new sanctions package against Russia over its ongoing invasion.
“When I get back to Washington, I’m gonna go with Sen. Richard Blumenthal to the Republican and Democratic leader, to see if we can find time to move this Russian sanctions package that will give tools to President Trump to help end this war,” Graham said during his Ukraine visit.
Graham had been scheduled to appear on NBC News’ Meet the Press Sunday morning, a program on which he had been a frequent guest, making 63 appearances over the years.
Political Legacy
Graham was running for a fifth six-year Senate term, having secured the Republican nomination in June after defeating several primary challengers. He was one of the chamber’s most recognizable members and a leading voice within the Republican Party on defense and foreign policy issues.
President Donald Trump announced Graham’s death on Truth Social, writing: “Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, is dead! He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!!”
International Reaction
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a statement, “Lindsey was a true defender of freedom and of the values that make our world safer.” Zelenskyy noted that Graham had visited Ukraine 10 times since Russia’s invasion in February 2022 and had been working on initiatives to strengthen sanctions against Russia.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said Graham “was a powerful advocate for America who believed strongly in the NATO Alliance and was actively working to bring an end to Russia’s war against Ukraine.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Graham “devoted his life to defending America, strengthening our alliance and standing up for the free world.”
What Comes Next
Per South Carolina law, Governor Henry McMaster will appoint someone to fill Graham’s seat until January 3, 2027. South Carolina Republicans must now select a new nominee for the general election scheduled for November, with state election law expected to require a special primary by August 11.