Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., died on Saturday from an aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, according to preliminary findings released Sunday by the office of the Washington, D.C., chief medical examiner.
Graham represented South Carolina in the Senate for more than two decades, becoming one of the chamber's most prominent Republican voices on foreign policy and national security. He was 71 years old at the time of his death.
What the Left Is Saying
Democratic lawmakers expressed condolences and reflected on Graham's lengthy career in public service. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., called Graham a 'formidable adversary' who was 'always willing to work across the aisle when it mattered.' Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., noted Graham's evolution on issues like immigration and his willingness to engage in bipartisan negotiations.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., highlighted Graham's role in Senate Judiciary Committee proceedings over the years, describing him as a 'forceful presence' who 'knew how to make an argument.' Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., offered prayers for Graham's family and said South Carolina had lost a 'dedicated public servant.'
What the Right Is Saying
Republican leaders mourned the loss of one of the Senate's most recognizable figures. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., called Graham's death 'a profound loss for the Senate and for our country,' saying his 'voice on foreign policy will be deeply missed.'
Former President Donald Trump said in a statement that Graham was a 'fighter' who 'never backed down from a battle.' House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., described Graham as 'a conservative champion whose passion for his beliefs never wavered.' Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., whom Graham served alongside for years, called him a 'dear friend' and praised his 'tireless advocacy' for military spending.
What the Numbers Show
Graham was first elected to the Senate in 2002, winning re-election five times. He served on the Senate Judiciary, Appropriations, and Budget committees. According to his official biography, Graham served more than 20 years in Congress, including prior service in the Air Force Reserve.
Aortic dissection occurs when a tear develops in the inner layer of the aorta, the large blood vessel branching off the heart. The condition is relatively rare but life-threatening, with mortality rates increasing significantly without prompt treatment. Arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, also cited as a contributing factor, affects tens of millions of Americans and is one of the leading causes of death in the United States.
The D.C. chief medical examiner's office stated that toxicological and microscopic testing remains pending before a final death certificate can be issued.
The Bottom Line
Graham's death leaves a vacancy in South Carolina's Senate seat, which Gov. Henry McMaster will need to fill through appointment or special election as provided by state law. His passing marks the end of an era for Senate Republicans, where he served as a senior member of multiple committees and was known for his combative style and strong stances on military intervention abroad.
The preliminary medical findings provide initial clarity on the circumstances of Graham's death while toxicology work continues. South Carolina political observers will watch closely for how the state proceeds in selecting Graham's successor, which could affect the balance of power in the narrowly divided Senate.