Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., provided new details Tuesday about the final moments before the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., revealing that a member of his former staff helped arrange emergency medical assistance for the South Carolina Republican.
Tuberville told reporters that one of his former schedulers had worked for Graham and was present when Graham called in distress over the weekend. "He called [and] basically said, 'Listen, I'm having chest pains. You know, I need to do something.' 'Did you call 911?' And he goes, 'No, that's the reason I called you,'" Tuberville recounted.
"And so she called 911 … By the time she got there, 911 had knocked the door down, and they were working on him," Tuberville continued.
Graham died suddenly Sunday evening just after returning from an overseas trip. His office announced that preliminary autopsy findings showed he died from "aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease." Aortic dissection occurs when a tear develops in the inner wall of the aorta, the body's main artery, and requires immediate medical intervention.
What the Right Is Saying
Senate Republicans mourned the loss of one of their most prominent voices on foreign policy and national security.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., delivered an emotional tribute Monday. "I am comforted by the knowledge that in the end, he has just changed his address," Thune said through tears. "And that one day, Mr. President, we will laugh together again."
Thune noted that Graham's desk—where late Sen. John McCain once sat, marking them as close friends—was draped with a black veil and decorated with white roses.
Tuberville reflected on Graham's dedication to work. "Lindsey basically worked himself to death," Tuberville said. "Most of us have families, he didn't have any family. And if we had a couple days off, he went to that airport, and he went somewhere to try to work out something for our country."
According to Axios, Graham told an unnamed source in one of his final conversations that he was feeling unwell but planned to wait until after a scheduled appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press" before seeking medical attention. "I can't die now," Graham reportedly said. "I still need to do the Russia sanctions, get Iran sorted out and do Israeli-Saudi normalization."
What the Left Is Saying
Senate Democrats offered tributes to Graham, with many acknowledging his willingness to work across the aisle on key legislation despite partisan battles.
Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., described Graham as "a colleague who never stopped fighting for what he believed in," noting his frequent collaborations on immigration and judicial matters.
"Lindsey was somebody who understood that governing requires compromise," Durbin said in a statement. "He wasn't always right, but he was always willing to sit down and negotiate."
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., ordered Graham's desk draped with a black veil alongside the Republican side of the chamber, honoring a tradition for deceased members.
"Today the Senate mourns a colleague who served South Carolina for nearly four decades," Schumer said. "Whatever our political differences, we honor his service."
What the Numbers Show
Graham represented South Carolina in the Senate since 1995, serving nearly four decades in Congress when including his House service.
His sister, Darline Graham Nordone, was appointed by South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster to serve as his temporary successor. She was sworn in Tuesday at a ceremony in Columbia.
South Carolina law requires a special election within roughly five months to fill the remaining two years of Graham's term. The state legislature will determine the timing and procedures for that election.
The Senate Republican conference now operates with 52 members, down from 53 when Graham was alive. Democrats hold 46 seats with two independents who caucus with them.
Graham served on the Senate Judiciary Committee, Foreign Relations Committee, and Appropriations Committee. His seniority had made him a key voice on judicial confirmations and international affairs.
The Bottom Line
Graham's death leaves a significant void in the Senate Republican conference, particularly on foreign policy and judiciary matters where he was a leading voice for nearly three decades.
The appointment of his sister ensures South Carolina maintains its representation while the party prepares for a special election that could determine control of the narrowly divided Senate. President Trump has indicated support for a particular candidate to succeed Graham permanently.
Graham's final reported comments about unfinished business on Russia sanctions, Iran policy, and Middle East normalization highlight the unresolved legislative priorities he leaves behind. Colleagues from both parties have committed to advancing some of those initiatives in his memory.