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

Democrats grill Kennedy, Wright, Rollins on 2027 budget requests

Democrats grill Kennedy, Wright, Rollins on 2027 budget requests

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Democratic lawmakers grilled major Trump administration officials in a series of congressional hearings Thursday, questioning the millions in federal program cuts proposed by the president’s...
Illinois leaders sweat over tight budget; GOP wants more cuts

Illinois leaders sweat over tight budget; GOP wants more cuts

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – State legislative leaders from both parties spoke to the Illinois Chamber of Commerce about the broad state...
Illinois leaders sweat over tight budget; GOP wants more cuts

Illinois leaders sweat over tight budget; GOP wants more cuts

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – State legislative leaders from both parties spoke to the Illinois Chamber of Commerce about the broad state...
Consumer advocate: Following Kansas’ lead to prevent ‘lawfare’ is ‘imperative’

Consumer advocate: Following Kansas’ lead to prevent ‘lawfare’ is ‘imperative’

By Tate MillerThe Center Square After Kansas passed legislation to prevent “lawfare” – or the making of policies apart from the legal process – a consumer protection organization said other...
Pritzker: Swipe fee ban works, banking groups, feds push for repeal

Pritzker: Swipe fee ban works, banking groups, feds push for repeal

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he hopes the federal government does what’s best for consumers and businesses as...
Pritzker: Swipe fee ban works, banking groups, feds push for repeal

Pritzker: Swipe fee ban works, banking groups, feds push for repeal

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he hopes the federal government does what’s best for consumers and businesses as...
New York loses $73M in federal funds tied to CDL failures

New York loses $73M in federal funds tied to CDL failures

By Alan WootenThe Center Square Federal funds totaling $73 million will be withheld from New York by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the U.S. Department of Transportation said Thursday....
New York loses $73M in federal funds tied to CDL failures

New York loses $73M in federal funds tied to CDL failures

By Alan WootenThe Center Square Federal funds totaling $73 million will be withheld from New York by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the U.S. Department of Transportation said Thursday....
Struggling DHS agencies plead with Congress for funding security

Struggling DHS agencies plead with Congress for funding security

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Department of Homeland Security agencies are requesting a total of $63 billion in fiscal year 2027 appropriations from Congress – even as Congress continues to...

WATCH: U.S. military strikes continue daily along Pacific drug routes

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The U.S. military's recent surge against suspected drug traffickers in the Eastern Pacific has underscored President Donald Trump's aggressive anti-drug strategy, with five deadly strikes...
law and authority lawyer concept, judgment gavel hammer in court courtroom for crime judgement legislation and judicial decision, judge having justice of punishment guilt and criminal verdict legal

Indiana Man Faces Federal Indictment, Potential Death Penalty for Momence Bar Owner’s Murder

Article Summary: State prosecutors have officially transferred the first-degree murder case against Julius Burkes to the U.S. Department of Justice. The 47-year-old Indiana man now faces federal charges, including the...
Illinois Quick Hits: State unemployment rate hits 5%

Illinois Quick Hits: State unemployment rate hits 5%

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois Department of Employment Security says the state’s unemployment rate reached 5% in February, up 0.1...
Illinois Quick Hits: State unemployment rate hits 5%

Illinois Quick Hits: State unemployment rate hits 5%

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois Department of Employment Security says the state’s unemployment rate reached 5% in February, up 0.1...
U.S. House extends Haiti TPS three years, sends to Senate

U.S. House extends Haiti TPS three years, sends to Senate

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. House of Representatives passed a measure, 224-204, to extend temporary protected status to Haitian nationals living in the United States. Ten House Republicans...
U.S. House extends Haiti TPS three years, sends to Senate

U.S. House extends Haiti TPS three years, sends to Senate

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. House of Representatives passed a measure, 224-204, to extend temporary protected status to Haitian nationals living in the United States. Ten House Republicans...