(The Daily Signal) — Senator Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., died of a “brief and sudden illness” on Saturday, his Senate office announced early Sunday morning.
Graham was 71.
“On the evening of Saturday, July 11, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham passed away from a brief and sudden illness,” his office said in a brief statement. “Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period.”
Statement from the Office of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina). pic.twitter.com/CQ5yVvqTH1
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) July 12, 2026
President Donald Trump praised Graham as “one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known” in a Truth Social post.
“He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!!” the president added.
Graham had represented the Palmetto State in the upper chamber for 23 years, since 2003. He was running for reelection, having won the Republican primary with 56.8% of the vote in June. Dr. Annie Andrews, a pediatrician, is the Democrat Senate candidate in the race.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune wrote that Graham “was a trusted adviser and colleague to me and many others, and numerous presidents and heads of state have relied on his counsel.”
“His influence on the federal judiciary, our national defense, and his beloved South Carolina will be felt for generations,” Thune, R-S.D., added.
Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., posted on X that “South Carolina lost a statesman and I’ve lost a friend.”
“From his humble beginnings to the Senate floor, Lindsey always led with faith, family, and South Carolina first,” Scott added. “Lindsey remained committed to public service and doing what he loved. He always introduced levity and brought wit to the most challenging moments.”
Born in South Carolina, Graham graduated from the University of South Carolina with degrees in psychology and law in 1977 and 1981, respectively. He served as a member of the Judge Advocate General’s Corps in the U.S. Air Force, and in the U.S. Air Force Reserve in Congress. He received the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service in 2014 and held the rank of colonel.
He served in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1993 to 1995, and the U.S. House of Representatives from 1995 to 2003.
Graham was one of the few members of the U.S. Senate never to marry.
Conservative communicator Steve Guest recalled Graham’s passionate defense of Brett Kavanaugh during his confirmation process, with Graham saying, “This is the most unethical sham since I’ve been in politics.”
I’ll always remember Lindsey Graham’s fierce defense of Brett Kavanaugh during his confirmation hearing: “This is the most unethical sham since I’ve been in politics.”
He was ELECTRIC!
Rest in peace, Sen. Graham. pic.twitter.com/OkadHpmwiK
— Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) July 12, 2026
Meghan McCain, host of the “Citizen McCain” podcast, described the friendship between her father, the late Sen. John McCain, and Graham in her tribute.
“At his best he was filled with light and was always the last person to leave any table for work or fun,” she posted on X. “In fact, I used to joke with my Dad that I couldn’t go out to dinner with him and my Dad as an adult unless I didn’t have work the next day because they would always stay so long at the table and shut down the restaurant. Lindsey and my dad were also both Hams and would take every selfie, talk to every waiter and person in the place. Life around them was a big and alive in every possible way humans can be.”
“I hope that he is at peace and I hope he is in heaven drinking a white russian and fishing with my Dad” and the late Sen. Joe Lieberman, she added.
Fox News host Sean Hannity called Graham “a dear friend” in a X post where he wrote, “Contrary to a public narrative that he was a war hawk, it was the opposite that is true. He wanted an end to the war with Russia and Ukraine and end all conflicts in the Middle East.”
“There is no elected official that traveled to these regions more than Senator Graham. His dream for the Middle East was that of a lasting peace in the region between every nation and his hope was this could all be accomplished by the early fall. This is something he loved to discuss with President Trump and others day and night,” Hannity added.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on X that Graham “was a true defender of freedom and the values that make our world safer.”
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, who will likely appoint an interim senator to replace Graham, released a statement early Sunday.
“Peggy and I—and our children—are devastated,” the governor, a Republican, wrote. “Lindsey Graham is irreplaceable.”
“The fiercest of fighters for South Carolina and America—and a loyal and steadfast friend,” McMaster added. “We grieve with Darline, his family and his devoted staff. May God hold him gently in the palm of his hand. We shall not see his likes again.”
My statement on the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham: pic.twitter.com/hbrjnMXIQd
— Gov. Henry McMaster (@henrymcmaster) July 12, 2026
Graham’s passing leaves Republicans with 52 seats in the U.S. Senate. It comes as Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has been absent facing a reported illness. McConnell is 84.
This article was originally published by The Daily Signal.
Tyler O'Neil | The Daily Signal
Tyler O'Neil is managing editor of The Daily Signal and the author of "Making Hate Pay: The Corruption of the Southern Poverty Law Center."
