(FOX40.COM) — Sunday was a solemn, emotional day in politics for many as social media filled with condolences and tributes in the wake of Republican Senator Lindsey Graham’s sudden death.
His office confirmed the veteran lawmaker from South Carolina died unexpectedly Saturday night from a “brief and sudden illness.”
The 71-year-old has represented South Carolina in the U.S. Senate since 2003.
“He was like a member of the family to me,” President Donald Trump said by phone on NBC’s Meet the Press. “It’s very tough, actually.”
Largely regarded on Capitol Hill as a “foreign policy hawk,” Graham had just returned from Ukraine. The president said he had spoken with the senator shortly after he arrived home.
Preliminary findings from the D.C. Office of the Medical Examiner showed he died from an aortic dissection — a sudden, life-threatening, heart emergency.
In South Carolina, Graham’s home-church pastor, Tim Tate, recalled memories beyond the politics — sitting with the lifelong public servant, wearing a baseball cap, and talking about things like fishing and hunting.
“One thing that really stands out is his love for our country,” Tate said. “He loved America through and through.”
Messages of respect and honor flowed from California, too.
Representative Vince Fong shared on X a statement that read, in part:
“Lindsey Graham was a giant, a tireless advocate for America’s national security and one of the most consequential voices in Congress for nearly three decades.”
Prayers and condolences were sent from across party lines, too. U.S. Senator Alex Padilla shared a statement saying, in part:
“While we disagreed on much, I respect Lindsey’s dedication to public service, from his time in the military, the House of Representatives, and the Senate.”
Senator Adam Schiff also posted on X and said:
“What I’ll remember most about Senator Graham was his sense of humor and how he deployed it to move his policy positions forward.”
The Democratic senator added:
“His quick wit and larger than life energy are all part of his memory and legacy.”
Graham was up for re-election in November. This means Republicans will now be racing to select a new Senate candidate.
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