Sen. Lindsey Graham dies after sudden illness

By J.D. Davidson
The Center Square

South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, one of President Donald Trump’s strongest allies in the U.S. Senate and a former presidential candidate, died Saturday night after a brief illness, a statement from his office said.

He was 71.

“On the evening of Saturday, July 11, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham passed away from a brief and sudden illness. Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period," a statement from his office said.

On social media, Trump called Graham a true patriot.

“Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and senators I have ever known, is dead! He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!!!” Trump wrote.

Graham, first elected to the Senate in 2002, was running for reelection.

His political career began in 1996 in the U.S. House of Representatives as the first Republican to win in the South Carolina 3rd Congressional District since 1877.

Graham ran for president in 2015 in a crowded Republican primary field that included then-Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, then-Sen. Marco Rubio, Sen. Ted Cruz and Trump.

He dropped out of the race six months after announcing his candidacy.

The South Carolina native was an Air Force veteran, serving as a lawyer for six years, and served in the South Carolina Air National Guard until 1995.  

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued the following statement regarding the death of United States Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina:

"Fran and I are so saddened by the death of our friend Lindsey Graham. Lindsey and I served together in the U.S. Senate. He was an effective and dedicated U.S. senator. We both sat on the Judiciary Committee and worked together  on the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, starting when he was the lead sponsor in the U.S. House. He had a great sense of humor and the ability to cut through political rhetoric and explain in understandable terms what an issue was really about. Lindsey worked hard each day to protect the people of South Carolina and our country."

U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) issued the following statement on the passing of his friend and colleague, Sen. Lindsey Graham:

“South Carolina lost a statesman and I’ve lost a friend.

“My prayers are with his sister and the rest of his family.

“From his humble beginnings to the Senate floor, Lindsey always led with faith, family, and South Carolina first.

“Lindsey remained committed to public service and doing what he loved. He always introduced levity and brought wit to the most challenging moments.

“Lindsey will be missed.”