SouthernWorldwide.com – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent Republican from South Carolina, has passed away at the age of 71. His office confirmed his death on Saturday evening, stating that it followed a “brief and sudden” illness.
A statement released by his office read, “On the evening of Saturday, July 11, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham passed away from a brief and sudden illness.” The family of the Senator has requested privacy during this difficult time and expressed their appreciation for prayers.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster shared his profound sadness upon hearing the news. He described Graham as “irreplaceable” and a “fiercest of fighters for South Carolina and America,” as well as a “loyal and steadfast friend.” Governor McMaster and his wife, Peggy, extended their condolences to Graham’s wife, Darline, his family, and his staff.
Senator Graham had a long and distinguished career in public service. He was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2002 and subsequently won reelection three times. At the time of his passing, he was campaigning for a fifth Senate term, having secured victory in the Republican primary last month.
Throughout his tenure in the Senate, Graham held significant positions. He served as the chairman of the Senate Budget Committee and was a member of the Appropriations, Judiciary, and Environment and Public Works committees. These roles allowed him to influence key areas of national policy.
Prior to his service in the Senate, Graham represented South Carolina’s 3rd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, to which he was elected in 1994. His election marked a significant shift, as he was the first Republican to hold that seat since 1877.
Graham’s public service extended beyond his elected positions. He had a dedicated military career spanning 33 years in the U.S. Air Force, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve, retiring with the rank of colonel in 2015. His military service included roles as an Air Force lawyer, with postings in Germany during the Cold War, active duty during the Gulf War, and multiple Reserve deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan during congressional breaks.
This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as they become available.
