(FOX40.COM) \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
His office confirmed the veteran lawmaker from South Carolina died unexpectedly Saturday night from a “brief and sudden illness.”<\/p>\n
The 71-year-old has represented South Carolina in the U.S. Senate since 2003.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Preliminary findings from the D.C. Office of the Medical Examiner showed he died from an aortic dissection \u2014 a sudden, life-threatening, heart emergency.<\/p>\n
In South Carolina, Graham’s home-church pastor, Tim Tate, recalled memories beyond the politics \u2014 sitting with the lifelong public servant, wearing a baseball cap, and talking about things like fishing and hunting.<\/p>\n
“One thing that really stands out is his love for our country,” Tate said. “He loved America through and through.”<\/p>\n
Messages of respect and honor flowed from California, too.<\/p>\n
Representative Vince Fong shared on X a statement that read, in part:<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
Prayers and condolences were sent from across party lines, too. U.S. Senator Alex Padilla shared a statement saying, in part:<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
Senator Adam Schiff also posted on X and said:<\/p>\n
“What I’ll remember most about Senator Graham was his sense of humor and how he deployed it to move his policy positions forward.”<\/p>\n
The Democratic senator added:<\/p>\n
“His quick wit and larger than life energy are all part of his memory and legacy.”<\/p>\n
Graham was up for re-election in November. This means Republicans will now be racing to select a new Senate candidate.<\/p>\n
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