Lindsey Graham, longtime Republican senator, dies at 71 after 'brief and sudden illness'

By — Seung Min Kim, Associated Press Seung Min Kim, Associated Press By — Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press By — Meg Kinnard, Associated Press Meg Kinnard, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/lindsey-graham-longtime-republican-senator-dies-at-71-after-brief-and-sudden-illness Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Lindsey Graham, longtime Republican senator, dies at 71 after 'brief and sudden illness' Politics Updated on Jul 12, 2026 5:46 PM EDT — Published on Jul 12, 2026 9:37 AM EDT WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Lindsey Graham, one of President Donald Trump's closest allies in Congress who traveled the globe to advocate for a more aggressive U.S. foreign policy, has died after a "brief and sudden illness." He was 71. His office's statement posted on social media early Sunday said his family "appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period." It did not provide any additional details about the circumstances surrounding the Saturday night death of the prominent South Carolina Republican, a former Air Force lawyer who served in Congress for three decades. Hours later, another statement from Graham's office said the Medical Examiner of the District of Columbia's preliminary findings are the senator died of aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease. That is an aorta rupture stemming from hardening of Graham's arteries. READ MORE: Republicans try to extend winning streak in South Carolina as Graham seeks fifth term Trump, who talked to Graham frequently, said he was "like a member of the family. It's very tough." He said on NBC's "Meet the Press" that Graham had called him on Saturday night after returning from a trip to Ukraine and "sounded a little bit tired, but perfect." The president ordered that flags across the country be flown at half-staff until Saturday evening. A noted hawk, Graham was one of the most influential figures in Washington on foreign affairs and he advised Trump on matters such as the Iran war and Russia. On Friday, Graham had announced an agreement with the Trump administration to move forward on a package of Russia sanctions. As chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, Graham also had a central role during Trump's second term as Republicans pushed major legislation on party-line votes while holding a narrow 53-47 majority in the chamber. Under South Carolina law, Republican Gov. Henry McMaster will appoint a temporary replacement for Graham, who was seeking a fifth term in November. A new nominee will be selected in a special primary, which is required to be held within weeks of a vacancy. The winner of November's general election will start a full six-year term in January. Graham had a close, complicated relationship with Trump Graham, elected to the Senate in 2002 after serving in the House, long promoted a policy of robust U