U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham dies after 'brief and sudden illness'

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U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, a key ally of President Donald Trump, died on Saturday evening following a “brief and sudden illness,” his office said in a statement. He was 71.

“Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period,” the statement said.

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, the Washington Post — citing police scanner audio — reported that 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.

The Post reported that about 25 minutes later emergency personnel said that CPR was in progress and that a man was suffering from cardiac arrest.

Ukrainian president ‘grateful’ for Graham support

Zelenskyy, who met Graham in Kyiv on Friday, said in a statement that he was “deeply saddened” by the news of the senator’s death.

“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,” Zelenskyy wrote on X Sunday.

“We will always be especially grateful for the recognition of our people and words of admiration for the courage of Ukraine’s defenders,” he added.

Trump: Senator was ‘like a family’ to me

U.S. President Donald Trump shared news of Graham’s death on his social media platform Truth Social on Sunday, 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!!! DETAILS AND ARRANGEMENTS TO FOLLOW. So sad!”

Trump told NBC’s Meet the Press Sunday that he had spoken with Graham during a phone call Saturday night after the senator had just flown back from Ukraine.

He said Graham “sounded tired,” adding, “it could have been his last call.”

Trump said he received a message from Graham’s office early Sunday saying the senator had died.

“I can’t believe it,” Trump said. “He was like a member of the family to me. It’s very tough.”

Prime Minister Mark Carney responded to news of Graham’s death in a statement on X on Sunday.

“Senator Lindsey Graham dedicated his life to serving the people of South Carolina and the United States,” Carney wrote.

“Throughout his career, he stood resolutely in defence of democracy and freedom, most recently and particularly with Ukraine and its people,” Carney added.

“I offer my condolences to Senator Graham’s family, friends, and all those who served alongside him.”

What his death means for the upcoming U.S. midterms

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.

Before Graham’s death, Republicans held a 53-47 majority in the upper chamber.

Under South Carolina law, the state will hold a special GOP primary in the coming weeks to pick a new nominee.

Graham has served in the Senate since 2002, but began his political career after he was elected to the House of Representatives in 1994.

Before entering politics, Graham was an Air Force lawyer and a member of the South Carolina Air National Guard.

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