Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina has died at age 71 following a sudden illness, with emergency responders responding to reports of possible cardiac arrest at his Capitol Hill residence Saturday night.
Graham, who served multiple decades in the Senate and chaired the Senate Budget Committee, was transported by paramedics to a hospital after the emergency call. The family released a statement Sunday requesting privacy during the difficult period.
What Happened
Police scanner audio obtained by NBC News indicated emergency responders were dispatched to Graham’s home following a report of possible cardiac arrest. Paramedics transported an individual on a stretcher from the residence to a waiting ambulance, with police vehicles and fire trucks present at the scene.
A senior Graham aide told NBC News that there had been no prior indication the senator was experiencing health problems before his death. Officials did not immediately release additional medical details about the cause.
Political Tributes
President Donald Trump announced Graham’s death on Truth Social, calling him “one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known” and “a true American Patriot.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Graham “was a true defender of freedom and of the values that make our world safer,” noting that Graham had visited Ukraine 10 times since Russia’s February 2022 invasion. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte described Graham as “a powerful advocate for America who believed strongly in the NATO Alliance.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Graham “devoted his life to defending America, strengthening our alliance and standing up for the free world.” Senate Majority Leader John Thune called him “a strong advocate for the United States and a strong ally to freedom-loving countries across the globe.”
What Comes Next
Under South Carolina law, Gov. Henry McMaster will appoint someone to fill Graham’s seat until January 3, 2027. State election law is expected to require a special Republican primary by August 11 to select a new nominee for the general election in November.
Graham had secured the Republican nomination for a fifth Senate term in June and was scheduled to appear on NBC News’ “Meet the Press” Sunday morning, a program on which he had been a frequent guest with 63 appearances.