Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent South Carolina Republican and ally of President Donald Trump, died at the age of 71. Preliminary findings from the Washington, D.C. medical examiner's office indicate that his death was caused by an aortic dissection, a tear in the inner wall of the aorta, the main artery carrying blood from the heart. This was attributed to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which involves the hardening of arteries due to fat and cholesterol buildup. Symptoms, such as chest pain and shortness of breath, can resemble more common conditions.
Graham's office initially reported a "brief and sudden illness." Emergency responders were dispatched to his Capitol Hill home around 8:30 p.m. ET after a report of chest pains, with dispatch audio indicating an individual was in cardiac arrest. The medical examiner emphasized that these findings are preliminary, and the final cause of death will be confirmed after toxicological and microscopic testing is completed.
His death occurred shortly after he returned from a visit to Ukraine, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump, who spoke with Graham on Saturday night, described him as sounding "a little tired, but perfect." Graham was a significant figure in Washington, known for his hawkish stance on foreign policy, particularly concerning the Iran war and Russia sanctions. He also played a key role as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, helping Republicans pass major legislation, including a tax law, during Trump's second term.
Under South Carolina law, Republican Governor Henry McMaster will appoint a temporary replacement. A special primary will then be held to select a new nominee, with the winner of November's general election serving a full six-year term. Graham was seeking his fifth term and had won 57% of the GOP vote in his primary in June, facing Democrat Annie Andrews in the upcoming election.
