U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, a key ally of President Donald Trump, died on Saturday evening following a "brief and sudden illness," his office announced in a statement. He was 71 years old.
The Republican senator from South Carolina had just celebrated his birthday on Thursday and had recently returned from a trip to Ukraine, meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Though no details were released regarding his death, emergency medical services had received a call around 8:30 p.m. Saturday for a person with chest pains at Graham's home on Capitol Hill.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his condolences and gratitude for Graham's support, saying he was "deeply saddened" by the news of the senator's death. Zelenskyy praised Graham's work as a "staunch advocate for bipartisan and bicameral support for Ukraine."
U.S. President Donald Trump shared news of Graham's death on his social media platform, writing that he was "one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known." Trump said he had spoken with Graham during a phone call Saturday night and described him as "like a member of the family to me."
Prime Minister Mark Carney responded to news of Graham's death, saying he was "dedicated his life to serving the people of South Carolina and the United States." Carney praised Graham's commitment to defending democracy and freedom, particularly in Ukraine.
The unexpected death of Graham will mean the Republicans will now need to find his replacement for November's midterm elections as both Republicans and Democrats fight for control of the Senate. Under South Carolina law, the state will hold a special GOP primary in the coming weeks to pick a new nominee.
