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
Judge: Biden-era decree deal requires release of 600+ from ICE detention
Poll: Majority believe free speech in U.S. headed in wrong direction
Illinois quick hits: Chicago treasurer to boycott U.S. securities to protest against Trump; Governor marks opening of new union training center; Illinois farms expected to lose $67.2 million a year
Will County Committee Denies Appeal for Crete Township ‘Tiny Home’ Permit
Beecher Board Approves New Regulations for Electric Scooters, E-Bikes
Trump signs executive order to improve foster care
Hegseth announces Operation Southern Spear, targeting narco-terrorists
Justice Department accuses California of racial gerrymandering in redistricting plan
Illinois quick hits: WARN Act reporting shows 1,600 job losses in October
Pritzker, alders oppose Chicago tax plans, property tax hike could be next
State Department designates European Antifa groups foreign terror organizations
NetChoice scores legal win in social media warning lawsuit
