Key facts
- US Senator Lindsey Graham died unexpectedly at 71.
- The cause of death was an aortic dissection.
- Graham was a close ally of Donald Trump.
- His death occurs shortly before the midterm elections, impacting the Republican party's Senate majority.
- Graham represented South Carolina for over two decades and had recently won his Republican primary.
Influential US Senator Lindsey Graham, a staunch ally of Donald Trump, has died unexpectedly at the age of 71. His passing from an aortic dissection, caused by hardened arteries, has sent shockwaves through the Republican party, particularly in South Carolina, just months before the midterm elections.
President Donald Trump expressed deep sadness, calling Graham one of the greatest people he has ever known and a great friend. Graham had recently returned from a trip to Ukraine and had spoken with Trump about the SAVE America Act. Graham, who had represented South Carolina for 23 years and recently won his Republican primary for a fifth term, was known for his quick wit, influence on Trump, and hawkish foreign policy stance.
His death raises immediate questions about his replacement in the Senate, where Republicans hold a narrow majority. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster will name Graham's successor, but a general election will also be held in November for the seat Graham was up for. Experts note the Republican party cannot afford to lose seats in the upcoming elections, especially with other leaders like Mitch McConnell also facing health concerns.
Colleagues, including Mitch McConnell, and figures like Meghan McCain, who remembered Graham as a close family friend of her late father John McCain, have paid tribute to his character and contributions to American politics.