In brief
South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, 71, died on Saturday after a sudden cardiovascular event. Washington, D.C. medical examiners cited an aortic tear, a serious tear in the main artery. Graham, a long‑time Trump ally, had just returned from Kyiv, meeting President Zelensky. His passing leaves a vacancy in the Senate until a temporary appointee serves out the term. Both parties are now evaluating the impact on Senate control in November.
Senator Lindsey Graham dies of aortic tear, examiner says
US Senator Lindsey Graham died of an aortic dissection caused by cardiovascular disease, according to a preliminary finding by the Washington, D.C. medical examiner.
Aortic dissection is a tear in the main artery that carries blood to the heart.
Graham, a close Republican ally of President Donald Trump, passed away on Saturday evening at the age of 71.
He was elected to the Senate in 2002 and is known for his influential foreign‑policy stance, often pushing for U.S. military intervention overseas.
Graham’s spokesperson said the death certificate would be issued once toxicological and microscopic testing was complete.
The senator had just returned from a trip to Kyiv, Ukraine, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday.
Zelensky expressed deep sorrow on X, calling Graham “a true defender of freedom and the values that make our world safer.”
Historical context: Graham was formerly critical of Trump but became a key ally, supporting Trump’s 2024 election while previously voting against the 2021 impeachment conviction.
After his death, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has the power to appoint a temporary replacement to finish the term, which ends in January. A permanent successor will be chosen in the November mid‑term elections.
The vacancy occurs as Republicans currently hold a 53‑47 majority over Democrats. Both parties will be contesting Senate control in November.
