The nation was taken aback early Sunday by the sudden death of longtime South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, who died at age 71.
His office released a brief statement confirming that the senior Republican senator passed away on the evening of Saturday, July 11, after a brief and rapid illness, and asked for privacy for his family.
Emergency responders were called to the senator’s Capitol Hill residence after a report of cardiac arrest. Police scanner audio captured the call, and paramedics were seen transporting a patient on a stretcher from the home to an awaiting ambulance, with police and fire vehicles on the scene.
A senior staff member indicated that Graham had shown no signs of illness before the incident and had been scheduled to appear on a national news program on Sunday.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune praised Graham as a strong advocate for the United States and an ally to freedom‑loving nations, while the South Carolina governor described him as a fierce fighter for the state and the country.
Under state law, the governor will appoint a temporary replacement to serve until a special election can be held, with the appointee serving through January 3 of next year.
Graham had returned from a trip to Kyiv, Ukraine, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday, and was actively campaigning for reelection at the time of his death.
The unexpected vacancy creates a significant shift in the Senate and will reshape the political landscape in South Carolina.
