Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent Republican voice on foreign policy and defense, died Saturday night at his Washington residence following a brief illness, just hours after pushing for new sanctions against Russia during a visit to Ukraine.
Graham, 71, was in Kyiv on Friday meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to advocate for an expanded sanctions package targeting Russia. Emergency responders were dispatched to his Capitol Hill home Saturday evening after receiving a call reporting possible cardiac arrest, according to police scanner audio obtained by NBC News.
Paramedics transported an individual on a stretcher from the residence to an ambulance, with police vehicles and fire trucks present at the scene. “Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period,” his family said in a statement.
Recent Activities
Graham had appeared energetic and engaged during his Ukraine trip, meeting with Zelenskyy and planning to coordinate with fellow senators on the Russian sanctions proposal upon his return. “When I get back to Washington, I’m gonna go with Sen. Richard Blumenthal to the Republican and Democratic leader, to see if we can find time to move this Russian sanctions package,” Graham said during the visit.
A senior Graham aide told NBC News that there had been no indication the senator was experiencing health problems before his death. Graham had been scheduled to appear on NBC’s Meet the Press Sunday morning, a program where he had made 63 appearances over the years.
The Reaction
President Trump announced Graham’s death on Truth Social, describing him as “one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known” and stating he “was always working, and was a true American Patriot.”
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said Graham “was a true defender of freedom” and noted the senator had visited Ukraine 10 times since Russia’s 2022 invasion. “In recent weeks he worked on important initiatives that could help bring peace closer, including strengthening sanctions against Russia,” Zelenskyy said.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte called Graham “a powerful advocate for America who believed strongly in the NATO Alliance and was actively working to bring an end to Russia’s war against Ukraine.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Graham “devoted his life to defending America, strengthening our alliance and standing up for the free world.”
Senate Impact
Graham served as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee and was running for a fifth six-year Senate term scheduled for November. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster must appoint a replacement to fill Graham’s seat until January 3, 2027, per state law.
South Carolina Republicans must select a new nominee for the November general election, with state election law expected to require a special primary by August 11. Graham had secured the Republican nomination in June after defeating several primary challengers.
