Influential United States Senator and prominent Republican lawmaker, Lindsey Graham, has died at the age of 71 following a brief and sudden illness.
His office confirmed his passing in a statement released on Sunday, saying the senator died on the evening of Saturday, July 11. His family expressed appreciation for the prayers and support received while requesting privacy during the difficult period.
Graham began his political career in the US House of Representatives after his election in 1994 before winning a seat in the US Senate in 2002. He was re-elected in 2008, 2014 and 2020, becoming one of the most influential Republican figures in American politics.
During his time in the Senate, he served on several key committees, including the Judiciary, Appropriations, Environment and Public Works committees, and most recently chaired the Senate Budget Committee.
Widely known for his hawkish foreign policy positions, Graham strongly supported the 2003 US invasion of Iraq, advocated a tough stance on Iran and remained a steadfast supporter of Israel. Although he was an outspoken critic of Donald Trump during the 2016 Republican presidential primaries, the two later became close political allies, with Graham becoming one of Trump’s strongest supporters in Congress.
Before entering politics, Graham served as a lawyer in the US Air Force for more than six years before joining the Air Force Reserve, where he spent two decades and retired with the rank of colonel.
Tributes have continued to pour in from political leaders and allies following his death.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster described Graham as “irreplaceable” and “the fiercest of fighters for South Carolina and America, and a loyal and steadfast friend.”
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said he was “shocked and heartbroken” by the senator’s death, describing Graham as a steadfast friend of Israel whose support would never be forgotten.
