How Lindsey Graham's death could affect Donald Trump's agenda

Senator Lindsey Graham died suddenly on Saturday night at age 71 after suffering an aortic dissection, his office confirmed Sunday. The medical examiner's office determined the dissection was caused by arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Graham had reportedly returned from a trip to Ukraine on Saturday before emergency services responded to a cardiac arrest call at his Washington, D.C. home.

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But other than that, he was fine.

President Donald Trump told CNN and NBC that he spoke with Graham shortly before his death, noting the senator mentioned feeling "tired." Trump described Graham as "like a member of the family to me" and expressed disbelief at his passing.

Graham's death creates an unexpected vacancy, narrowing the already slim Republican majority in the Senate. With Senator Mitch McConnell also currently in rehabilitation after a fall, Republicans will temporarily hold only a four-vote buffer. This reduced margin could complicate efforts to advance President Trump's agenda, as some Republican politicians have shown a willingness to cross party lines on key votes.

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I just can't believe it. He was like a member of the family to me.

Graham, a veteran politician, was often instrumental in unifying Republican senators and negotiating with Democrats. President Trump highlighted Graham's ability to "get people on his side" and "work things out" with Democrats. White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller echoed this sentiment, recalling how Graham ensured senators were "on-side" during a lunch meeting.

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He could go in and get something approved. He would just get people on his side. I wouldn't often ask, but if I had a problem with a Democrat, he could work it out.

Graham was in the midst of a campaign for his fifth term. A process has been initiated to elect a successor to appear on the November midterm election ballot.

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I'll never forget the senate lunch, when a couple Senators were a tad off the program, and Lindsey, in his inimitable way, made sure everyone was onside by the time we left. It was a glorious thing to witness. He knew how to move a room.