Longtime GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham dies at 71 after 'brief and sudden illness'
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, the longtime South Carolina politician and influential voice on national security and the judiciary, has died at 71.
Trump says he received phone call from Lindsey Graham just hours before his death
President Donald Trump says he spoke with Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., on Saturday night just hours before the GOP firebrand's sudden death.
Trump revealed the detail during an interview on NBC's "Meet the Press" on Sunday, saying they spoke in the early evening after Graham returned to Washington from Ukraine.
"So what makes it even stranger is that I got a call last night sometime. You know, the early evening, maybe in the sevens. And he called and he said, we're all set for the Save America Act. He was pushing the Save America act like crazy. He got back, said he just landed from Ukraine and said, that's a long trip to make. And he said - he sounded a little tired, but perfect, but a little bit tired. Had a right to be when he was a worker. He was really a worker," Trump said.
"But he sounded great, actually... He said he was tired, but he wanted to pass the Save America Act. And I said, well, we're going to get it done, Lindsey. We're going to get it done. I'll see you like soon. We thought maybe we might even meet today. And then that was it. And that was, you know, very around the time, it couldn't have been much longer. It could have been his last call. I don't know exactly, but I got a message about 1:00 in the morning from one of the people in his office that he had passed away. I said I just can't believe it. He was like a member of the family to me. It's very tough, actually. It's amazing," Trump added.
University of South Carolina marks death of Lindsey Graham: 'Steadfast friend'
The University of South Carolina released a statement honoring Sen. Lindsey Graham on Sunday.
University President Michael Amiridis and Board of Trustees chairman Thad Westbrook called Graham a "stalwart supporter" of the institution.
"Our university community is deeply saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of Sen. Lindsey Graham, one of our most eminent and accomplished alumni and a steadfast friend of the University of South Carolina. Through more than three decades of distinguished public service, Sen. Graham was a frequent visitor to USC and a stalwart supporter of the university’s mission, championing programs such as the Rule of Law Collaborative, our new Brain Health Center, and cutting-edge energy and defense research. A two-time USC alumnus, he welcomed opportunities to assist our students with career-building internships and provided countless opportunities to fellow Gamecocks. We are remembering him with gratitude for his tireless service to our state and our country, and we extend heartfelt condolences on behalf of the USC community to Sen. Graham’s family, staff and friends during this difficult time," the pair wrote in a joint statement.
Graham's death ignites GOP scramble for Senate seat as Trump hints he already has a favorite
Sen. Lindsey Graham’s, R-S.C., sudden death from an undisclosed illness has triggered a two-pronged approach to replace him, and President Donald Trump will likely be a focal point in the process.
Graham's passing overnight comes at a time when Republicans in the upper chamber need every vote they can get. The Senate GOP now holds a 52-seat majority, and with the timetable for Sen. Mitch McConnell’s, R-Ky., absence still unclear, that majority is now effectively 51 votes.
That will up the pressure, and drama, to find a replacement for the longtime South Carolina lawmaker.
Trump, during an appearance on NBC’s "Meet the Press" on Sunday, said, "I have somebody that I think would be great."
"But I don’t want to say it now because it’s just, it’s too soon with Lindsey," Trump said. "I don’t wanna even talk about anybody, but I do have somebody that I think is really good."
It’s a process guided by the Constitution and state law. The first step will require South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, a Republican, to appoint a replacement for Graham on a temporary basis.
McMaster, a close ally of Trump, can appoint a temporary replacement as soon as he wants. That pick will serve until the next special or general election.
Fox News' Alex Miller contributed to this report.
VP Vance says Lindsey Graham was 'fundamentally American' and 'fought like hell' for the US
Vice President JD Vance had kinds words for Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., after the statesman's death on Sunday.
"Early in my Senate tenure, I remember getting into a shouting match with Lindsey about a Ukraine funding bill at lunch and then learning the very next day that he was pushing rail legislation I really cared about behind the scenes. That was Lindsey Graham. He fought like hell for the things he believed in, and he was just as willing to go to bat for you when it counted," Vance wrote.
"Lindsey had the best sense of humor in the Senate. He loved the game of politics. He was constantly asking which races were up and down, and how he could help. As he liked to say, “I don't care if you're an isolationist or a religious fanatic, so long as you have an R next to your name, I want you to win," he continued.
We certainly had our disagreements. But I couldn't help but like him. A one of a kind figure in our politics. I'll be praying for him and his family," he added.
Marco Rubio joins chorus of officials praising Lindsey Graham: 'Deeply saddened'
Secretary of State Marco Rubio says he is "deeply saddened" by the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., on Sunday.
Rubio served in the Senate alongside Graham for years, and both statesmen were deeply involved in America's foreign policy.
"Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham," Rubio wrote on X.
"Lindsey was a patriot and dedicated public servant. He loved South Carolina and America, and dedicated decades to defending both," he continued.
"Jeanette and I are praying for him and his family — may he rest in peace," he added.
Sen. Tim Scott: Graham left Senate with ‘global’ void as Iran war tests US leadership
The death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., leaves a major foreign policy void in the Senate as the U.S. confronts Iran and other global threats, Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., said Sunday.
“The hole that Lindsey Graham left in the Senate cannot be filled,” Scott told “Fox News Sunday.”
“It will need many of us to step up to the plate and take on the responsibilities that he had from a global perspective.”
Scott said Graham’s commitment to foreign policy was rooted in keeping America strong and Americans safe.
“His commitment to international affairs was for one purpose: to make sure America remained the most dominant country on the planet,” Scott said.
Graham, a longtime defense hawk and advocate for U.S. military strength, died after what his office described as a brief and sudden illness. His death comes as the U.S. and Iran are exchanging strikes and Washington is working to keep the Strait of Hormuz open.
Scott said Graham understood the stakes of U.S. leadership abroad and pushed colleagues hard when he believed American interests or allies were on the line.
“He was loud and obvious and sometimes even obnoxious because he understood that he had the power of a microphone to make a difference, not for himself, but for others,” Scott said.
Lawmakers should honor Graham by ensuring U.S. troops have “the resources and the weaponry necessary to do their jobs,” Scott concluded.
Fox News' Erick Mack contributed to this report.
Speaker Mike Johnson marks 'tragic' death of Lindsey Graham
House Speaker Mike Johnson remarked on the passing of Sen. Lindsey Graham in a statement a statement on Sunday.
Johnson noted Graham's service both in the military and on Capitol Hill, saying he was a true believer in American exceptionalism.
"America is struck this morning by the sudden and tragic passing of Senator Lindsey Graham. He served his country throughout his life — from the U.S. Air Force, to the S.C. House, to the U.S. House, to the U.S. Senate. He believed and advocated tirelessly for American strength and exceptionalism, and he will be missed," Johnson wrote.
"Kelly and I send our prayers and our respect for his life to his family, friends, and many devoted staff who served alongside him for so many years," he added.
Media ghouls, commentators across political aisle mock Lindsey Graham’s death with ‘good riddance’
Media pundits and commentators across the political aisle posted blunt reactions online Sunday to the sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., hours after his office announced that the 71-year-old lawmaker died Saturday evening following a "brief and sudden illness."
"The Young Turks" co-host and executive producer Ana Kasparian responded to the announcement on X with two words.
"Good riddance," Kasparian said.
Far-right political commentator Nick Fuentes also posted the same response online.
"Good riddance," Fuentes said.
Co-creator of "The Young Turks," Cenk Uygur, took to social media to mock Graham’s record by imagining the senator carrying his arguments into the afterlife.
"Lindsey Graham has moved on to the next step in his journey, trying to convince Hades to attack Zeus and Poseidon," Uygur said. "He says it’ll only take a couple of weeks and won’t require any ground troops. And there’s no way Poseidon can close the Strait."
Former MSNBC analyst and Lincoln Project co-founder Steve Schmidt called Graham a "lonely and unprincipled man who betrayed his country for power and his decency for attention" in a Substack post on Sunday, following the senator's death.
Left-wing streamer, Hasan Piker mocked a tribute honoring Graham's relationship with Israel, by commenting, "lmao."
Graham also received praise for his efforts as a senator, from President Donald Trump and others, including colleagues in South Carolina.
Trump wrote on Truth Social that Graham "was always working," and called the Palmetto State senator "a true American Patriot."
This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' CJ Womack.
Former President Bush mourns loss of Lindsey Graham: 'Kind and funny'
Former President George W. Bush mourned the loss of Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., in a joint statement with his wife, Laura, on Sunday.
"Laura and I were saddened to wake up to the shocking news of Senator Lindsey Graham's death. He was a knowledgeable Senator who understood how the world works and how important America's international engagement is to resist tyranny," Bush wrote.
"He was a kind and funny man who loved our country and loved serving it. South Carolina was fortunate to have such a committed public servant in its corner. And I was fortunate to have known Lindsey Graham," he added.
Netanyahu details 'final' conversation with Lindsey Graham
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recalled one of his final conversations with late South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham on Sunday, saying the longtime senator pushed back when Netanyahu proposed eventually ending U.S. military aid to Israel.
"Because he was so concerned with our security, which he believed was your [America's] security, that he actually fought the prime minister of Israel on keeping America's aid or actually increasing it, and that tells you what kind of a person this extraordinary, extraordinary friend was," Netanyahu recalled on "Fox & Friends Weekend."
The South Carolina Republican dominated headlines Sunday after passing away from a "brief and sudden illness." His unwavering support for allies like Israel and Ukraine remained central to conversations surrounding his impact.
As Netanyahu recounted his "last" conversation with Graham, he said he assured the longtime Trump ally that Israel had "come of age" with a "robust economy" and the ability to be self-sufficient, but Graham refused to budge.
"[I told him] we can take care of our own — financing our own weapons for the defense of Israel and defense of our common interests with America, so I'm going to phase out… the military support for Israel over a period of years and bring it down to zero. We can do it,'" Netanyahu said.
"He [Graham] went ballistic. He said, 'No way, you can't do that.'"
Netanyahu fondly reflected on Graham's personality, from his keen sense of humor to his "clear and so pointed" manner in more serious times. He described his encounters with Graham as "encouraging," adding that he will "miss him terribly."
This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News' Taylor Penley.
Top Democrats praise Lindsey Graham after his sudden passing: 'He will be missed'
Sen. Lindsey Graham's Democratic colleagues praised the late senator after his sudden death Sunday morning.
Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., called Graham an "indispensable player" in Senate politics and expressed gratitude for his work on bipartisan issues.
“Lindsey was part of every important policy issue and an indispensable player in every Senate ‘gang’. He was a fierce Republican partisan one day and a key bipartisan ally the next," Durbin said in a statement.
“When I was Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, he was the Ranking Republican. His word was good—no cheap shots," he added.
Sen. Jeff Merkley also expressed shock at Graham's passing in a statement on X.
"I am shocked to hear of the sudden passing of Senator Graham. We shared a strong interest in defending Ukraine and, to the surprise of many, in climate change. We got to know each other as we served together on three committees, including the Budget Committee, where he served as Chair and I serve as the lead Democrat," Merkley wrote.
"Mary and I are keeping Senator Graham’s family and staff in our thoughts during this difficult time," he added.
Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., praised Graham as a "true public servant for the American people" in her own statement on X.
"While we didn’t see eye to eye on every topic, Lindsey put differences aside so we could come together to support American national security and our allies around the world. I was proud to work with him to support Ukraine and bolster the Abraham Accords, one of the most consequential agreements that opened the door to unprecedented cooperation in the Middle East," she wrote.
"Larry and I send our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones as they navigate this difficult time. He will be missed," she added.
Here's how Lindsey Graham's South Carolina Senate seat will be filled
Sen. Lindsey Graham's sudden death on Sunday leaves a major vacancy in the Republican majority, and it will fall to South Carolina's governor to fill that seat in the short term.
Gov. Henry McMaster, a Republican, has the responsibility to appoint a replacement to serve the remainder of Graham's term, which is set to end in 2027.
Graham's seat is up for re-election this year, however, and he had already won the Republican primary for the race prior to his death. Under South Carolina law, the race will now allow for a special primary election for Republican candidates.
A filing window will open July 21 and close on July 28, followed by a special primary election on August 11 and another runoff election on August 25 if necessary. The winner of that primary will then face the Democratic opponent as normal in the November election.
As of Sunday morning, McMaster has made no announcements about who he intends to appoint to the seat. The appointment would likely be an advantage for any candidate looking to run to replace Graham in November.
Sen John Fetterman hails colleague Lindsey Graham as 'foreign policy giant'
Sen. John Fetterman, D-Penn., says the Senate lost a "foreign policy giant" with the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham on Sunday.
Fetterman paid his respects to his Senate colleague in a statement on X, saying he and his wife were offering their condolences to Graham's friends and family.
"Sudden and awful news about Senator Lindsey Graham," Fetterman wrote. "The United States Senate lost a foreign policy giant. On a personal level, he had always been kind, gracious, and thoughtful."
"Gisele and I extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and staff," he added.
Netanyahu mourns Graham’s loss: He understood US strength meant world peace
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., as a steadfast defender of the U.S.-Israel alliance, saying his support reflected the broader stakes of American leadership as the Iran war tests the region.
“It takes people like Lindsey Graham to keep that alliance going,” Netanyahu told Sunday's "Fox & Friends," calling Graham “clear,” “candid” and “encouraging.”
Netanyahu said Graham understood that America’s role in the world remains essential, arguing that without U.S. leadership, “there would be no liberty in the world.”
"Lindsey Graham had it right: He knew that, in fact, if the Middle East were to collapse, to fall into the hands of Iran, which is now trying, has tried to do that, or the fall of American enemies, your, energy costs would skyrocket and would never come down. You'd be under perpetual blackmail of these tyrannical terrorist regimes.
"They would develop nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them to every American city. He saw that as something that is not only economically strangling. It could actually it could actually extinguish your lives. So he was he talked about that with me many times. It wasn't something that he put out as a as a spin. He believed it. And you know what? He was absolutely right."
The Israeli leader cast the U.S.-Israel partnership as rooted in shared democratic values, individual rights and a commitment to human life.
He contrasted that alliance with Iran’s regime, saying Israel and the U.S. “stand for something else.”
“We’re the only democracy in the Middle East,” Netanyahu said. “We represent individual rights. We value every human life.”
Netanyahu said Graham’s backing was not just political but personal, adding that his encouragement “went right to my heart.”
Senate scrambles after Sen Graham's unexpected death leaves major leadership vacancy
Chief congressional correspondent Chad Pergram joined "Fox & Friends Weekend" on Sunday to discuss the sudden passing of Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.
Pergram noted that Graham's death comes as Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., remains hospitalized and his health situation is unknown.
"The Senate is supposed to come back, obviously, in the coming days here so they have to figure out, you know, what his status is," Pergram said. "But now the Senate is, on the Republican side of the aisle, down to 51 votes."
"They have trouble moving things through the Senate right now, so what will they do to replace him?" he continued, adding that South Carolina law indicates someone will be appointed to fill Graham's seat.
Sean Hannity hails Lindsey Graham as 'hardest working man in the US Senate'
Fox News' Sean Hannity paid his respects to Sen. Lindsey Graham in a statement on X early Sunday morning, calling the deceased senator a "dear friend."
"Most people do not know his life’s story. He grew up living over a bar run by his family. After the early death of his parents he personally stepped up to provide for, and raise, his younger sister. He then became a Congressman and later a Senator," Hannity wrote.
"Contrary to a public narrative that he was a war hawk, it was the opposite that is true. He wanted an end to the war with Russia and Ukraine and end all conflicts in the Middle East. There is no elected official that traveled to these regions more than Senator Graham. His dream for the Middle East was that of a lasting peace in the region between every nation and his hope was this could all be accomplished by the early fall. This is something he loved to discuss with President Trump and others day and night," he continued.
"I pray his dream of a lasting peace is realized sooner than later. There was simply nobody in elected office that loved his job and worked harder," he added.
John Thune says Lindsey Graham's influence will be felt 'for generations'
Senate Majority Leader John Thune honored Sen. Lindsey Graham early Sunday morning, praising his deceased colleague as a "trusted adviser."
"My heart is heavy this morning to learn of the passing of my friend and colleague, Senator Lindsey Graham," Thune wrote on X.
"Lindsey’s long and dedicated service in the Air Force and in Congress carried him to far-flung regions of the world. He was a strong advocate for the United States and a strong ally to freedom-loving countries across the globe. He believed in the might of America to achieve good in the world and dedicated his life to advancing that cause," he continued.
"As South Carolina’s senior senator, Lindsey fought passionately for the Palmetto State. He was a trusted adviser and colleague to me and many others, and numerous presidents and heads of state have relied on his counsel. His influence on the federal judiciary, our national defense, and his beloved South Carolina will be felt for generations," he wrote.
"Kimberley and I pray for Lindsey’s friends and family, and we send our heartfelt condolences during this most difficult time," he added.
South Carolina Governor 'devastated' over Lindsey Graham's death, calls him 'irreplaceable'
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster released a statement early Sunday morning saying he is "devastated" by the news of Sen. Lindsey Graham's passing.
"Peggy and I – and our children – are devastated," he said in a statement. "Lindsey Graham is irreplaceable. The fiercest of fighters for South Carolina and America – and a loyal and steadfast friend. We grieve with Darline, his family and his developed staff. May God hold him gently in the palm of his hand. We shall not see his likes again."
Graham was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2002 and won reelection three times. He was seeking a fifth Senate term after winning the Republican primary last month.
Graham served as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee and sat on the Appropriations, Judiciary, and Environment and Public Works committees.
Before joining the Senate, Graham was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1994, becoming the first Republican to represent South Carolina's 3rd Congressional District since 1877.
Trump, Netanyahu to discuss Lindsey Graham's death on 'Meet the Press'
President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will make appearances on NBC News' 'Meet the Press' Sunday morning to discuss the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, host Kristen Welker says.
Welker said Graham had been scheduled to appear on the program Sunday morning before a "brief and sudden illness" took his life.
"It would have been his 64th appearance on this broadcast," Welker wrote in a post on Instagram.
"We are sending our deepest condolences to his family and colleagues. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will join us this morning to reflect on his life and legacy," she added.
Former President George Bush also expressed his condolences in a statement Sunday.
"Laura and I were saddened to wake up to the shocking news of Senator Lindsey Graham's death. He was a knowledgeable Senator who understood how the world works and how important America's international engagement is to resist tyranny. He was a kind and funny man who loved our country and loved serving it. South Carolina was fortunate to have such a committed public servant in its corner. And I was fortunate to have known Lindsey Graham," he wrote.
Zelenskyy honors Lindsey Graham, says world lost 'true defender of freedom'
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy mourned the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., in a statement on X on Sunday.
Zelenskyy called Graham a "true defender of freedom" and expressed his gratitude for the senator's frequent visits to Ukraine even during the Russian invasion.
"He visited Ukraine ten times during the years of Russia's full-scale invasion and was here with our people when it was most needed. We remained in constant dialogue, and I will miss our conversations. We met twice in just the past week," Zelenskyy wrote.
"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. We will always be especially grateful for the recognition of our people and words of admiration for the courage of Ukraine’s defenders," he continued.
"America and the world have lost a determined leader. Our condolences go out to Lindsey’s family, loved ones, and everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him," Zelenskyy added.
Graham had just returned from a trip to Ukraine this weekend when news of his death from a "brief and sudden illness" swept Washington, D.C.
The senator's office has not released further details about his death.
Sen. Lindsey Graham remembered as leading GOP voice on national security after death at 71
Sen. Lindsey Graham spent more than two decades representing South Carolina in the Senate, where he became one of the Republican Party's most influential voices on defense and foreign policy.
The four-term senator, who was seeking reelection this November, chaired the Senate Budget Committee and remained a close ally of President Donald Trump. Just days before his death, Graham traveled to Kyiv to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Before his election to the Senate in 2002, Graham served in the South Carolina House and later represented the state's 3rd Congressional District in the U.S. House.
Trump hails Lindsey Graham has 'American patriot' hours after his death
President Donald Trump hailed Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., just hours after news of the Republican firebrand's death became public on Sunday.
Trump called Graham a "true American Patriot" and said his administration is already working on arrangements to honor the longtime senator.
"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 wrote.
Netanyahu mourns Sen. Lindsey Graham, calls him 'one of Israel's greatest friends'
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paid tribute to Sen. Lindsey Graham following his death, calling the South Carolina Republican "one of Israel's greatest friends" and praising his decades-long support for the U.S.-Israel alliance.
"Sara and I grieve with the American people over the loss of our dear friend, Senator Lindsey Graham," Netanyahu said in a statement. He added that Graham understood "the security of Israel and America are inseparable" and dedicated his life to strengthening the alliance between the two countries.
"Israel has lost one of its greatest friends. America has lost a great patriot. I have lost a beloved friend," Netanyahu said, offering condolences to Graham's family and the American people.
How South Carolina will replace Sen. Lindsey Graham after his death
Sen. Lindsey Graham's death sets two separate processes in motion under South Carolina law, one to fill his current Senate seat and another to determine who will become the Republican nominee for November's election.
Gov. Henry McMaster will appoint a temporary replacement to serve the remainder of Graham's current term, which ends Jan. 3, 2027. Because the term is set to expire in less than six months, no special election is required to fill the vacancy.
Republicans, meanwhile, cannot simply pick a new nominee. State law requires an expedited Republican primary to replace Graham on the Nov. 3 general election ballot. With the vacancy occurring months before Election Day, there is enough time for that process to be completed.
The governor's appointee and the eventual Republican nominee could be the same person, but they do not have to be.
Fox News Digital Chris Pandolfo contributed to this report.
Tim Scott mourns Sen. Lindsey Graham: ‘South Carolina lost a statesman’
U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., is mourning the death of his longtime friend and colleague, Sen. Lindsey Graham, calling him a statesman who dedicated his life to serving South Carolina.
In a statement released Sunday, Scott said Graham led with "faith, family, and South Carolina first" throughout his decades in public office."South Carolina lost a statesman and I've lost a friend," Scott said. "My prayers are with his sister and the rest of his family."
Scott praised Graham's commitment to public service, saying he remained devoted to his work until the end and brought humor and perspective even during difficult moments.
"Lindsey remained committed to public service and doing what he loved," Scott said. "He always introduced levity and brought wit to the most challenging moments."
Scott concluded his tribute by saying simply, "Lindsey will be missed."Graham died Sunday at the age of 71 following what his office described as a "brief and sudden" illness.
The South Carolina Republican had served in the U.S. Senate since 2003 and was one of the state's longest-serving elected officials.
Sen. Lindsey Graham dies at 71 after ‘brief and sudden’ illness, office says
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., has died at the age of 71 following what his office described as a "brief and sudden" illness.
In a statement released early Sunday morning, Graham's office confirmed his passing and said his family is requesting privacy as they mourn. The longtime South Carolina Republican had served in the U.S. Senate since 2003 after first being elected in 2002 and was seeking a fifth Senate term after winning the Republican primary last month.
President Donald Trump paid tribute to Graham on Truth Social, calling him "a true American Patriot" and saying he would be "greatly missed." South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster also honored Graham, describing him as an "irreplaceable" leader and a loyal friend.
During his more than three decades in elected office, Graham served on several influential Senate committees, including Appropriations, Judiciary, and Environment and Public Works.
Before joining the Senate, he represented South Carolina's 3rd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.Graham remained active in foreign policy until his death. He met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Friday and was scheduled to appear on NBC's "Meet the Press" on Sunday.
A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve, Graham retired as a colonel in 2015 after 33 years of military service, including deployments during the Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
Fox News Digital's Michael Sinkewicz contributed to this report.
Live Coverage begins here