Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina has died, according to a top staffer who spoke with NBC News. The staffer said there was no indication the senator was not feeling well before his death.
Graham, a prominent Republican voice on foreign policy and national security, served six terms in the Senate representing South Carolina. He was first elected to the House in 1994 and moved to the Senate in 2003.
What the Left Is Saying
Democratic lawmakers expressed shock at Graham's passing. Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut posted on social media: 'Lindsey and I disagreed on nearly everything, but he was always willing to have a conversation. This is devastating news.' Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer offered condolences, saying Graham was 'a fierce advocate for his views who never hesitated to engage across the aisle when it mattered.'
Progressive advocacy groups acknowledged Graham's work on certain bipartisan initiatives while noting their policy disagreements with him over the years.
What the Right Is Saying
Senate Majority Leader John Thune called Graham 'one of the most recognizable voices in our conference' and said his death leaves a significant void. Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa described Graham as 'a dear friend and a tireless fighter for conservative principles.' Former President Donald Trump issued a statement calling Graham 'a man of conviction and courage who never backed down from a battle.'
Republican officials emphasized Graham's decades of service to South Carolina and his influence on national security policy.
What the Numbers Show
Graham was first elected to Congress in 1994, making him a nearly three-decade veteran of federal service. He won his last Senate race in 2020 with 54.5% of the vote against Democrat Jaime Harrison. Graham served as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee from 2019 to 2021 and chaired the Senate Budget Committee starting in 2025.
The Bottom Line
Graham's death marks a significant moment in American politics. South Carolina Governor Henry McMahon will appoint an interim senator until a special election can be held, per state law. Graham was 69 years old at the time of his death.