Republican Senator Lindsey Graham Dies at 71

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent Republican from South Carolina, has died at the age of 71 following a short and sudden illness, his office announced. The news was confirmed on July 12, 2026.

Emergency services were reportedly called to his home on Capitol Hill on Saturday evening due to cardiac arrest. President Donald Trump paid tribute to Graham, calling him "one of the greatest men and senators" he had ever known and a "valiant patriot."

Graham, who had served in the Senate since 2003, was a significant figure in Republican politics. Although initially a sharp critic of Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign, he later became one of the president's closest allies in Congress. He was known for advocating a strong U.S. foreign policy and was a staunch supporter of Israel and Ukraine, while opposing Iran.

Just two days before his death, Graham visited Kyiv, where he discussed strengthening air defense and imposing new sanctions on Russia with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. During that visit, he also suggested that China could play a crucial role in encouraging Moscow toward peace talks.

Graham previously served eight years in the House of Representatives before being elected to the Senate. He chaired the Senate Budget Committee and was a member of several other key committees. He was unmarried and resided in Seneca, South Carolina.

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one of the greatest men and senators I have ever known, and a valiant patriot.