WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican who served more than two decades in the Senate and became one of President Donald Trump's closest allies in Congress, died on Saturday evening after what his office described as a "brief and sudden illness." He was 71.
Graham's office announced his death in a statement released early Sunday, saying only that he had died after the illness and that his family requested privacy. No further details on the cause of death were immediately provided.
The senator had represented South Carolina since 2003 after serving four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. Over his congressional career, Graham became a leading Republican voice on national security, defense and foreign policy, advocating a robust U.S. military presence abroad and playing influential roles on the Senate Judiciary and Budget committees.
Graham sought the Republican presidential nomination in 2016 before withdrawing from the race. Although he sharply criticized Trump during the primary campaign, he later became one of the president's most dependable allies, advising him on foreign policy and supporting many of his legislative and judicial priorities.
Trump paid tribute in a social media post early Sunday, calling Graham "a true American Patriot" and praising his years of public service. Other political leaders, including international officials who had worked with Graham on foreign policy issues, also issued statements recognizing his longstanding involvement in U.S. national security and international affairs.
In recent days, Graham had traveled to Ukraine and remained active in Senate business, including efforts related to sanctions legislation targeting Russia, according to reports and public appearances before his death.
Under South Carolina law, Gov. Henry McMaster is expected to appoint an interim senator to serve until a special election is held to fill the remainder of Graham's term. State officials had not announced a timetable for that process as of Sunday.
Graham, a former Air Force lawyer and retired Air Force Reserve colonel, was one of the Senate's longest-serving Republican members and remained an influential figure in debates over defense, judicial nominations and U.S. foreign policy throughout his tenure. His office said funeral arrangements would be announced at a later date.
