Republican senator Lindsey Graham dies after sudden illness

US Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the most influential figures in Republican politics, has died at the age of 71 after a sudden and brief illness, according to his office. US media reports said emergency services responded to a cardiac arrest at his Capitol Hill residence on Saturday night.

His death comes at a sensitive moment in Washington, where narrow political margins have heightened the importance of every vote. Graham’s absence removes a major supporter of President Donald Trump’s agenda in the Senate. The development also coincides with the hospitalization of Senator Mitch McConnell, adding to concerns within Republican leadership.

Governor Henry McMaster now has the authority to appoint a temporary successor. Republican officials must also organize a primary process to select a candidate for the November 3 election.

Graham spent decades in public service and built a reputation around national security issues and support for an active American role in global affairs. His positions frequently placed him at the center of major foreign policy debates.

Tributes emerged quickly following news of his death. President Donald Trump described Graham as a dedicated patriot and a trusted ally.

Graham’s political journey attracted significant attention throughout his career. During the 2016 presidential campaign, he was among Trump’s strongest critics within the Republican Party and warned that his rise could harm the party’s future.

In later years, Graham became one of Trump’s closest allies in Washington. He regularly supported the president during key political battles and public appearances.

Before joining the Senate, Graham was elected to the House of Representatives in 1994. He entered the Senate in 2002 and served on several major committees, including the Budget Committee, where he served as chairman, as well as the Appropriations and Judiciary committees.

Prior to his political career, Graham worked as a lawyer in the US Air Force and the South Carolina Air National Guard.