Sen. Lindsey Graham dies after sudden illness

Sen. Lindsey Graham dies after sudden illness

July 12, 2026/
Spread the love

By J.D. Davidson
The Center Square

South Carolina U.S. 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.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Vance: Iran deal ‘win-win’ for Americans, conditioned on Iran’s behavior

Vance: Iran deal ‘win-win’ for Americans, conditioned on Iran’s behavior

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square Vice President JD Vance on Thursday responded to claims that America’s newly released preliminary peace deal, called a memorandum of understanding, was too generous toward...
Wisconsin Supreme Court rules against race-based scholarships

Wisconsin Supreme Court rules against race-based scholarships

By Jon StyfThe Center Square A Wisconsin college grant program that sent financial aid to students based on specific race, national origin and ancestry cannot legally operate because it violates...
Legislator calls for investigation of Newsom's FOIA request

Legislator calls for investigation of Newsom’s FOIA request

By Robert MattesonThe Center Square Assemblymember Carl DeMaio, R-San Diego, is requesting an investigation into Gov. Gavin Newsom’s use of California taxpayers-funded resources after Newsom's recent Freedom of Information Act...
EXCLUSIVE: Social Security reform imperative to avoid 34% tax hike, insolvency by 2032

EXCLUSIVE: Social Security reform imperative to avoid 34% tax hike, insolvency by 2032

By Tate RosentreterThe Center Square Policymakers must return Social Security to its original intent in order to avoid massive tax hikes and insolvency, especially in light of a nation burdened...
Property tax rates remain a top issue in Wisconsin elections

Property tax rates remain a top issue in Wisconsin elections

By Jon StyfThe Center Square The future of property taxes in Wisconsin remains one of the largest topics along with affordability heading into this fall’s elections. This week, congressman and...
Taxpayers paying $50 million+ for Chicago-owned bus station

Taxpayers paying $50 million+ for Chicago-owned bus station

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Taxpayers are expected to fork over at least $50 million for Chicago to own and operate a...
Michigan Republicans blast Whitmer's Europe trip as budget deadline nears

Michigan Republicans blast Whitmer’s Europe trip as budget deadline nears

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is facing criticism from Republicans for traveling to Europe as critical state budget negotiations are ongoing ahead of a July 1...
Zillow faces antitrust suit, consumer fraud claims amid housing crisis

Zillow faces antitrust suit, consumer fraud claims amid housing crisis

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Zillow faces a federal antitrust suit, congressional calls for regulatory scrutiny and a competitor's claim in court that Zillow is a monopolist working against housing...
Illegal immigrants across U.S. get financial aid for college

Illegal immigrants across U.S. get financial aid for college

By Esther Wickham | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – State financial aid continues to expand within higher education, allowing money to go to eligible illegal immigrant...
Illinois Quick Hits: Pritzker signs bill creating new state agency

Illinois Quick Hits: Pritzker signs bill creating new state agency

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation elevating the Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission to the cabinet-level Illinois...
Will County Board Graphic.01

Will County Board Members Spar Over Wheatland Township Mental Health Grant

Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | June 11, 2026 Article Summary: A $155,000 mental health grant to Wheatland Township drew sharp questioning at the Will County Board Executive Committee...
Congressional candidate caught in teen takeover

Congressional candidate caught in teen takeover

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois candidate for Congress says a teen takeover arrived like a storm at a Chicago grocery...
REPORT: 2M Illinoisans face $500 cut as Social Security faces cliff

REPORT: 2M Illinoisans face $500 cut as Social Security faces cliff

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – New data and reports from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget have shown that if no...

Illinois Quick Hits: Cook County announces $20M in CVI spending

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has announced $20 million of taxpayer funding for community violence intervention....
Rising prices growing concern in Illinois, U.S.

Rising prices growing concern in Illinois, U.S.

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As voters express growing concern over inflation, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says federal policies are to blame....