While the American political scene is still coming to grips with the death of South Carolina Republican U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, Florida political leaders are sounding off on his passing Sunday.
Graham died late Saturday after a “brief and sudden illness” at his residence in Washington, D.C. Details are still scant as to what contributed to the death of the foremost GOP leader on Capital Hill and one of President Donald Trump’s closest allies. Graham was also a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives before being elected to the Senate in 2002 and was a lawyer for the U.S. Air Force.
His direct colleagues in the Senate from Florida expressed grief Sunday in Social Media posts with remembrances and honors.
Republican U.S. Sen. Rick Scott was quick to praise his long-time partner in the Senate and expressed condolences with his wife Anne Scott.
“Anne and I are shocked and heartbroken to learn of the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham. We ask that you join us in keeping his family, friends, and team in your prayers during this time,” Scott said in an X statement.
“Lindsey was a good friend and a dedicated public servant for the people of South Carolina and the United States. He knew what it was like to rise up from difficult circumstances and build a life of purpose.”
The other Republican Florida U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody, appointed to the chamber last year by Gov. Ron DeSantis, paid tribute to Graham Sunday morning.
“My family and I mourn the sudden passing of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham. There are people in this world who have the ability to change the air in a room through wit, humor, well-placed arguments, reason, or impassioned appeals. Lindsey Graham had the uncanny ability to pull them all off at once,” Moody said in statement on her X account.
“His loss will leave a gaping hole in the fabric of our conference and will be felt immensely as we navigate the challenges facing our nation. We will pray for his family, friends, and all who loved him during this difficult time.”
Scott added it will be difficult to fill the void left by the passing of Graham.
“Through his time in the Air Force and in Congress, Lindsey dedicated his career to America’s national defense and freedom around the world. I was grateful to work with him. He will be greatly missed as a legislator and a friend,” Scott said.
Republican South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster will appoint a replacement for Graham to hold the Senate seat until January. Graham was also up for reelection for the Senate post and was being challenged by Democrat Annie Andrews. South Carolina law requires a Special Primary Election to name a new GOP nominee before the General Election in November.
___
Material from The Associated Press was used in this report.