Sen. Lindsey Graham dies after sudden illness
South Carolina U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, one of President Donald Trump’s strongest allies in the U.S. Senate and a former presidential candidate, died Saturday night after a brief illness, a statement from his office said.
He was 71.
“On the evening of Saturday, July 11, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham passed away from a brief and sudden illness. Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period,” a statement from his office said.
On social media, Trump called Graham a true patriot.
“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!!!!” Trump wrote.
Graham, first elected to the Senate in 2002, was running for reelection.
His political career began in 1996 in the U.S. House of Representatives as the first Republican to win in the South Carolina 3rd Congressional District since 1877.
Graham ran for president in 2015 in a crowded Republican primary field that included then-Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, then-Sen. Marco Rubio, Sen. Ted Cruz and Trump.
He dropped out of the race six months after announcing his candidacy.
The South Carolina native was an Air Force veteran, serving as a lawyer for six years, and served in the South Carolina Air National Guard until 1995.
Patchy Fog then Sunny
Latest News Stories
Artemis II mission breaks records Monday as astronauts observe far side of the moon
Illinois quick hits: Illinois House speaker’s son to attend private school; AFSCME workers set strike date at Illinois State University; IDOT urges public to avoid distracted driving
Federal-state showdown looms over regulation of prediction markets
No-knock warrant legislation brings Chicago victim, Illinois gun group together
Trump promises ‘complete demolition’ in Iran as deadline looms
‘We leave no American behind’: President Trump details Easter rescue of downed airman
Michigan charges dentist in alleged ‘massive’ Medicaid fraud scheme
Illinois bill sparks debate over police privacy vs. public access
Signature process begins to ban large data centers in Ohio
U.S. Supreme Court agrees to hear veteran’s benefits challenge
Supreme Court declines to hear challenge to Illinois public transport gun ban
Illinois Quick Hits: Report says Pekin Bowling Center ‘taxed out of business’
