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.
Sunny
Latest News Stories
Will County Hears Proposal to Establish County-Focused Land Bank for Distressed Properties
Letlow and Fleming headed for runoff in Louisiana U.S. Senate race
Spanberger vows to get Virginians ‘representation we deserve’
EXCLUSIVE: The Oversight Project calls for investigation into Fusus, Oak Brook contract
Will County Executive Committee Recommends 600 MW Pride of the Prairie Solar Project in 6-5 Split Vote
Beecher 200U Adopts District-Wide Cell Phone Policy, Tightens High School Discipline Steps
Europe tried wealth taxes. Most gave up.
Aging Systems and Judicial Mandates Drive Significant FY2027 Budget Requests for Will County Courts and Sheriff
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Planning and Zoning Commission for May 5, 2026
Colorado governor shortens Tina Peters’ sentence for election tampering
No ruling; Florida judge hears arguments in redistricting litigation
Debate grows over bill on gender, abortion care access in child placement
