Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina passed away at the age of 71 after a brief and sudden illness, NBC Politics reported on Monday, July 13, 2026. A top staffer noted there was no indication that Graham was unwell prior to his death.

In his first on-camera remarks since Graham's passing, former President Donald Trump described the late senator as a "great friend" and expressed that it was "hard to believe he's gone." Trump also mentioned that he has "somebody that I like" to succeed Graham but said it was "too soon" to reveal who that might be.

The appointment of Lindsey Graham's sister to fill his Senate seat was called a "fitting tribute" by a former South Carolina governor. Senate Majority Leader Thune also honored Graham with a remembrance speech on the Senate floor.

Graham had made his final remarks in Ukraine just a day before his death. The political landscape now faces adjustments following his sudden passing, including discussions around his Senate replacement.

Additional political developments include Epstein survivors filming a PSA urging senators to vote against Todd Blanche for attorney general, and ongoing U.S. military strikes on Iran over the Strait of Hormuz.

Sources