U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina and a close ally of President Donald Trump, died on Saturday evening following a brief and sudden illness, his office announced. He was 71.
Graham had just celebrated his 71st birthday on Thursday and had recently returned from a trip to Ukraine, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. No specific cause of death was released, but the Washington Post reported that emergency medical services responded to a call around 8:30 p.m. Saturday for a person with chest pains at Graham's home on Capitol Hill. About 25 minutes later, emergency personnel reported that CPR was in progress and that a man was suffering from cardiac arrest.
Graham's Career and Political Legacy
Graham served in the U.S. Senate since 2002, having previously been elected to the House of Representatives in 1994. Before entering politics, he worked as an Air Force lawyer and was a member of the South Carolina Air National Guard. Throughout his career, he was known as a staunch advocate for a strong national defense and was a key figure in foreign policy, particularly regarding Ukraine.
His office released a statement saying, "Senator Graham's family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period."
Reactions from World Leaders
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed deep sadness over Graham's death, noting that the senator had visited Ukraine ten times during Russia's full-scale invasion. In a statement on X, Zelenskyy wrote, "A staunch advocate for bipartisan and bicameral support for Ukraine, in recent weeks, he had been working on important initiatives that could help bring peace closer, including stronger sanctions against Russia. We will always be especially grateful for the recognition of our people and words of admiration for the courage of Ukraine's defenders."
U.S. President Donald Trump shared the news 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!!!" Trump later told NBC's Meet the Press that he had spoken with Graham on Saturday night after the senator returned from Ukraine, noting that Graham "sounded tired" and that "it could have been his last call." Trump added, "He was like a member of the family to me. It's very tough."
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also offered condolences, stating on X, "Senator Lindsey Graham dedicated his life to serving the people of South Carolina and the United States. Throughout his career, he stood resolutely in defence of democracy and freedom, most recently and particularly with Ukraine and its people."
Impact on U.S. Midterm Elections
Graham's unexpected death creates a vacancy in the Senate just months before the November midterm elections, where control of the chamber is at stake. Before his death, Republicans held a 53-47 majority. Under South Carolina law, a special GOP primary will be held in the coming weeks to select a new nominee to fill the seat on the ballot.
