Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), one of the Senate's most influential Republicans and a leading voice on national security and foreign policy, died Saturday after what his office described as a "brief and sudden illness." He was 71.
Graham's office announced his death in a statement posted to X early Sunday.
"Senator Graham's family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period."
The South Carolina Republican was serving as chair of the Senate Budget Committee and sat on the Judiciary, Appropriations, and Environment and Public Works committees. He was also in the middle of a campaign for a fifth Senate term.
President Donald Trump remembered Graham in a post on Truth Social.
"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!!! DETAILS AND ARRANGEMENTS TO FOLLOW. So sad!"
Under South Carolina law, Gov. Henry McMaster can appoint a temporary replacement to serve until Jan. 3.
Graham had been scheduled to appear Sunday on NBC's Meet the Press, which would have been his 64th appearance on the program. Moderator Kristen Welker later announced that Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would appear instead.
His death came just days after returning from Ukraine, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelensky.
In a statement, Zelensky said Graham stood by Ukraine throughout Russia's full-scale invasion.
"He visited Ukraine ten times during the years of Russia's full-scale invasion and was here with our people when it was most needed. We remained in constant dialogue, and I will miss our conversations. We met twice in just the past week."
Zelensky also credited Graham with supporting tougher sanctions on Russia and efforts to bring the war to an end.
"We will always be especially grateful for the recognition of our people and words of admiration for the courage of Ukraine's defenders. America and the world have lost a determined leader."
Graham was first elected to the Senate in 2002 after serving eight years in the House, succeeding longtime Sen. Strom Thurmond. He later sought the Republican presidential nomination in 2016 but dropped out before voting began.
Outside Congress, Graham built a lengthy military career as an Air Force lawyer and later served in the Air Force Reserve. Speaking on the American Bar Association's The Law Student Podcast in 2015, he called serving as an Air Force JAG "the single best thing I think I've ever done."
Tributes from fellow senators quickly followed.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Graham was "a strong advocate for the United States and a strong ally to freedom-loving countries across the globe."
South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott called Graham both "a statesman" and "a friend."
"South Carolina lost a statesman and I've lost a friend. My prayers are with his sister and the rest of his family."
Scott said Graham "always led with faith, family, and South Carolina first" and brought "wit to the most challenging moments."
Sen. Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said Graham's impact would be difficult to replace.
"There are no words to describe Lindsey Graham, my friend of more than three decades. There are no words to describe his impact on the foreign and domestic policy of the United States."
