Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., a key figure in U.S. foreign and defense policy and a close ally of former President Donald Trump, has died at age 71 after a “brief and sudden illness,” his office confirmed early Sunday. Emergency personnel responded to a call for cardiac arrest at his Capitol Hill home Saturday night, with CPR in progress; According to police scanner audio obtained by NBC News, Graham appeared to be in good health prior to his death.

Political and Personal Tributes

President Donald Trump paid tribute, calling Graham “one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known” and a “true American Patriot.” Trump later told NBC News he spoke with Graham hours before his death and that the senator had been “fine” other than being tired. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj also expressed “deep sadness” over Graham’s death, praising his support for Ukraine during its ongoing war with Russia.

Graham had returned from a visit to Ukraine just one day before his death. During that trip, he announced a deal with the Trump administration to impose stricter sanctions on Russia. He had visited the country 10 times since the invasion began in 2022 and was a vocal advocate for military and economic support.

Succession and Election Process

Under South Carolina law, Gov. Henry McMaster, a Republican and staunch Trump loyalist, will appoint a temporary replacement to serve until January 3, 2025. Unlike some states, South Carolina does not require the governor to choose a replacement from the same political party, giving McMaster broad discretion.

A special primary election is scheduled for August 11 to determine the Republican candidate who will face Democratic nominee Dr. Annie Andrews in the November general election. Graham had won his June primary with 57% of the vote, despite facing five challengers, suggesting some internal party dissatisfaction.

Rep. Joe Wilson, a long-serving Republican from South Carolina’s second district, has reportedly expressed interest in the Senate seat. Wilson, who has been in Congress since 2001, praised Graham on X, calling him a “tireless American Patriot for peace through strength.”

Graham’s death creates an immediate vacancy in the Senate, but it does not affect the broader 2024 election calendar. The appointed interim senator will not be eligible to run in the November election but will serve until the special primary determines the nominee.

South Carolina is one of 46 states where governors can appoint a temporary senator until a special election is held. The remaining four states — Kentucky, North Dakota, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin — require vacancies to be filled only through a special election.

In a statement, Graham’s office said the family “appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period.”

According to FOCUS online, the local coroner has indicated that Graham died of a tear in his main artery caused by an underlying heart condition. NBC News reported that paramedics arrived at Graham’s home and carried him to an ambulance as part of a cardiac arrest response. No additional health details were released.

Graham served in the U.S. Senate since 2003 after representing South Carolina in the House of Representatives for more than a decade. He chaired the Senate Budget Committee and was a leading voice on defense and foreign policy. He had previously run for president in 2016 and was considered a potential 2024 contender before focusing on his Senate re-election bid.