U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., has died at the age of 71 following what his office described as a "brief and sudden" illness.
In a statement released early Sunday morning, Graham's office confirmed his passing and said his family is requesting privacy as they mourn. The longtime South Carolina Republican had served in the U.S. Senate since 2003 after first being elected in 2002 and was seeking a fifth Senate term after winning the Republican primary last month.
President Donald Trump paid tribute to Graham on Truth Social, calling him "a true American Patriot" and saying he would be "greatly missed." South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster also honored Graham, describing him as an "irreplaceable" leader and a loyal friend.
During his more than three decades in elected office, Graham served on several influential Senate committees, including Appropriations, Judiciary, and Environment and Public Works.
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