Sen. Lindsey Graham dies after sudden illness

Sen. Lindsey Graham dies after sudden illness

July 12, 2026/
Spread the love

By J.D. Davidson
The Center Square

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.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Rising prices growing concern in Illinois, U.S.

Rising prices growing concern in Illinois, U.S.

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As voters express growing concern over inflation, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says federal policies are to blame....
Peoria school safety director faces criticism over social media post

Peoria school safety director faces criticism over social media post

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A social media post by Peoria Public Schools' Director of School Safety is drawing criticism from...
Illinois Quick Hits: Rockford to fill budget gap with reserve funds

Illinois Quick Hits: Rockford to fill budget gap with reserve funds

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Rockford officials are planning to spend reserve funds to close a $9.4 million revenue shortfall. The Rockford...
Feds seek to join case to halt Evanston black ‘reparations’ payments

Feds seek to join case to halt Evanston black ‘reparations’ payments

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square The Justice Department is jumping into court against the city of Evanston, lending the heft of the federal government to a lawsuit...
Social media platforms challenge Chicago tax; Pritzker confident in statewide plan

Social media platforms challenge Chicago tax; Pritzker confident in statewide plan

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago faces an ongoing lawsuit over a tax ordinance on social media platforms that was imposed four...
Everyday Economics: Working more, falling behind

Everyday Economics: Working more, falling behind

By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square This week's data tells a clear story: Americans are earning more dollars that buy less. The economy looks fine on paper. It doesn't feel fine...
America 250: Celebrating presidential pets

America 250: Celebrating presidential pets

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square As Americans commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence, presidential pets are being celebrated as well. “Dogs, cats, horses, cows – as well as far...
Census Bureau plans 2030 count as 2020 lawsuit continues

Census Bureau plans 2030 count as 2020 lawsuit continues

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The Census Bureau is planning for 2030, making decisions that will shape the distribution of federal funding that topped $2.8 trillion in fiscal year 2021,...
Support broadens beyond Harris, Newsom in Democratic primary poll

Support broadens beyond Harris, Newsom in Democratic primary poll

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square While former Vice President and presidential hopeful Kamala Harris remains the Democratic frontrunner for 2028, according to new polling, her support, and that for California...
Exclusive: Group warns labor bill allows govt takeover of union contract negotiations

Exclusive: Group warns labor bill allows govt takeover of union contract negotiations

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Bipartisan legislation meant to speed up first-time union contracts would promote efficiency but also erode both employee and employer rights, a labor policy group argues....
America 250: National Archives bringing founding documents to cities nationwide

America 250: National Archives bringing founding documents to cities nationwide

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Multiple events are being held in the nation’s capital on July 4 celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States. Not everyone will be able...
House passes Mary Miller's bill to stop childcare fraud

House passes Mary Miller’s bill to stop childcare fraud

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed legislation sponsored by U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, R-Ill., aimed...
Gun rights, immigration to be decided at the U.S. Supreme Court

Gun rights, immigration to be decided at the U.S. Supreme Court

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Several high profile cases on gun rights and immigration policy have yet to be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court as the court's current term...
POLL: Two years, out, Vance remains clear frontrunner for 2028 GOP primary

POLL: Two years, out, Vance remains clear frontrunner for 2028 GOP primary

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square Two years out from the 2028 presidential primary season, Vice President JD Vance remains the clear frontrunner for the 2028 Republican presidential primary, the top...
Poll spells disaster for Republicans in 2026 midterms

Poll spells disaster for Republicans in 2026 midterms

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Five months out from the 2026 midterm elections, Republicans’ chances of maintaining control of Congress appear grim, new polling shows. The Center Square’s newest Voters’...