Lawmaker was seeking a fifth full Senate term this fall
By Delayna Earley
The Island News
U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, South Carolina’s senior senator, died Saturday evening following what his office described as a brief and sudden illness. He was 71.
Graham’s office announced his death in a statement posted Sunday morning on the senator’s official X account.
“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.”
No cause of death was released.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster issued a statement Sunday morning mourning Graham’s death.
“Peggy and I – and our children – are devastated. Lindsey Graham is irreplaceable. The fiercest of fighters for South Carolina and America – and a loyal and steadfast friend. We grieve with Darline, his family and his devoted staff. May God hold him gently in the palm of his hand. We shall not see his likes again.”
South Carolina’s junior U.S. senator, Tim Scott, also shared a statement Sunday morning in a press release and on his official Facebook page.
“South Carolina lost a statesman and I’ve lost a friend.
My prayers are with his sister and the rest of his family.
From his humble beginnings to the Senate floor, Lindsey always led with faith, family, and South Carolina first.
Lindsey remained committed to public service and doing what he loved. He always introduced levity and brought wit to the most challenging moments.
Lindsey will be missed.”
Born on July 9, 1955, in Central, South Carolina, Graham was the son of Florence James “F.J.” Graham and Millie Walters Graham, who owned and operated the Sanitary Cafe. He graduated from D.W. Daniel High School before earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of South Carolina in 1977 and a law degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1981.
After both of his parents died within 15 months of one another while he was in his early 20s, Graham became the legal guardian of his younger sister, Darline, while completing his education.
Following law school, Graham entered the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps, serving as both a defense attorney and chief prosecutor in Europe. He later served in the South Carolina Air National Guard and the U.S. Air Force Reserve, retiring as a colonel in 2015 after more than three decades of military service. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal in 2014.
Graham began his political career in the South Carolina House of Representatives, where he served from 1993 to 1995. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1994, representing South Carolina’s 3rd Congressional District for four terms before winning election to the U.S. Senate in 2002 to succeed retiring Sen. Strom Thurmond. He took office in January 2003 and was serving his fourth Senate term at the time of his death.
During his more than 23 years in the Senate, Graham served on several high-profile committees, including as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and, most recently, chairman of the Senate Budget Committee. He became known nationally for his work on national security, military affairs, judicial nominations and foreign policy.
Graham was among the Republican candidates who sought the party’s nomination for president in 2016, often criticizing eventual nominee Donald Trump during the campaign. After Trump won the presidency, however, Graham became one of his closest allies in the Senate and frequently worked with the administration on judicial appointments, foreign policy and immigration issues.
President Donald Trump also issued a statement Sunday morning on Truth Social. The White House later shared the post on its official X account.
“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.
Earlier this year, Graham announced he would seek a fifth full term in the Senate. He won the Republican primary in June by a wide margin and was scheduled to face Democrat Annie Andrews in the Nov. 3 general election.
Under South Carolina law, Gov. McMaster is expected to appoint a successor to fill Graham’s Senate seat. Additional details regarding the appointment process and the November election are expected in the coming days.
Graham is survived by his sister, Darline Graham Nordone, and her two daughters. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
This is a developing story and will be updated as additional information becomes available.
Delayna Earley, who joined The Island News in 2022, formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com.