Veteran US Senator Lindsey Graham dies at 71 after brief illness

In a statement shared by his communications director, Graham's family requested privacy during this difficult time and thanked

WASHINGTON: Veteran Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina passed away on Saturday evening at the age of 71 following a brief and sudden illness, his office announced.

In a statement shared by his communications director, Graham’s family requested privacy during this difficult time and thanked the public for their prayers and support.

Graham was one of the most influential Republican lawmakers in the United States and served in the Senate for more than two decades after being elected in 2002. Before joining the Senate, he represented South Carolina’s 3rd Congressional District in the US House of Representatives, where he began his congressional career in 1995.

Over the years, Graham became a leading voice on national security and foreign policy, earning a reputation as a strong advocate for defence and military affairs. He consistently supported policies aimed at strengthening US national security and played an active role in shaping debates on international conflicts and defence strategy.

During his Senate career, Graham chaired the Senate Budget Committee and served on several key committees, including Appropriations, Judiciary, and Environment and Public Works, where he contributed to major legislative decisions.

His political journey drew significant attention as he evolved from being an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump during the 2016 election campaign to becoming one of Trump’s closest allies in the Senate, frequently supporting the administration’s legislative agenda and policy positions.

Lindsey Graham never married and spent much of his life in Seneca, South Carolina. His death marks the end of a long political career that left a lasting impact on American politics and the Republican Party.