US Senator Lindsey Graham Dies At 71 After Brief, Sudden Illness, Office Confirms

Last Updated:July 12, 2026, 12:05 IST

US Senator Lindsey Graham has died at the age of 71 after a brief and sudden illness, his office confirmed. The South Carolina Republican passed away on July 11.

US Senator Lindsey Graham, the veteran Republican lawmaker from South Carolina, has died at the age of 71 following a brief and sudden illness, according to a statement released by his office.

Graham passed away on the evening of Saturday, July 11, his office said, while requesting privacy for his family during the difficult time.

“On the evening of Saturday, July 11, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham passed away from a brief and sudden illness," the statement from the Office of US  Senator Lindsey Graham said.

“Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period," the statement added.

Graham, who represented South Carolina in the US Senate since 2003, was one of the most influential Republican voices on foreign policy, national security and judicial matters.

Before joining the Senate, he served four terms in the US House of Representatives after first entering Congress in 1995.

Over his political career, he chaired key Senate committees, including the Senate Judiciary Committee and, most recently, the Senate Budget Committee.

His death comes just a day after he was actively engaged in international diplomacy.

On Friday, Graham met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, where they discussed Ukraine’s air defence requirements and proposed sanctions against Russia.

Speaking after the meeting, Graham said China could play a decisive role in encouraging Russia to enter peace negotiations and argued that strengthening Ukraine’s military capabilities alongside tougher sanctions could push Moscow toward diplomatic talks.

The Republican senator had also said that US President Donald Trump’s team had agreed to move forward with a bipartisan Russia sanctions bill that had been under discussion for months.

According to Graham, the legislation was intended to curb funding for Russia’s military operations by targeting countries purchasing Russian oil and gas.

Born on July 9, 1955, in Central, South Carolina, Graham earned degrees from the University of South Carolina before serving in the US Air Force and later the Air Force Reserve.

He entered politics through the South Carolina House of Representatives before moving to Washington, where he built a reputation as a leading Republican voice on defence, foreign affairs and the judiciary.

Throughout his career, Graham remained a prominent figure in American politics, including his 2016 Republican presidential bid and his long-standing role in shaping US foreign policy debates.

He had recently secured the Republican nomination for another Senate term in South Carolina ahead of the 2026 election.

Further details regarding funeral arrangements or memorial services were not immediately announced.

About the Author

Vani Mehrotra

Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has more than 10 years of experience in national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

News world US Senator Lindsey Graham Dies At 71 After Brief, Sudden Illness, Office Confirms

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