By Daniel Orton and Jasmine Laws

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Tributes have poured in following the death of longtime Senator Lindsey Graham, as new details emerged about the circumstances surrounding his passing.

CBS News reported that an emergency call placed Saturday evening to a residence belonging to the South Carolina Republican referenced a dispatch for a cardiac arrest, though officials have not released an official cause of death.

President Donald Trump led a growing chorus of reactions, describing Graham as "one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known" and "a true American Patriot." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli President Isaac Herzog and other political leaders also praised Graham's decades of public service and influence on U.S. foreign policy.

Graham died Saturday evening at age 71 following what his office described as a "brief and sudden illness."

His death leaves a major vacancy in the Senate, creates uncertainty around South Carolina's 2026 Senate race and removes one of the Republican Party's most prominent voices on foreign policy.

Graham was in Kyiv on Friday, meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during what the Ukrainian leader said was the senator's 10th visit to the country since Russia's full-scale invasion.

Graham had represented South Carolina in the Senate since 2003, serving for more than 23 years.

His death creates both a Senate vacancy and an election-year succession fight. Graham had already secured the Republican nomination for November's election.

Questions now surround who will temporarily fill his Senate seat and who will carry the Republican banner in November.

Follow Newsweek's live blog for the latest updates.

Jul 12, 2026 at 09:02 AM EDT

What happens next in South Carolina’s Senate race?

Graham's death has set in motion two separate processes in South Carolina: one to fill his current Senate seat and another to replace him as the Republican nominee in November's election.

Under South Carolina law, Governor Henry McMaster can appoint an interim senator to serve until voters elect a successor. The appointment would ensure the state continues to have full representation in the Senate while the election process unfolds.

But Graham's death also leaves a vacancy on the GOP ticket. The senator had already secured the Republican nomination and was expected to face Democrat Annie Andrews in November. State law requires Republicans to choose a replacement nominee through a special primary process. Candidates would file for the race, followed by a special primary and, if necessary, a runoff election.

The developments instantly create one of the most closely watched political contests of the 2026 midterms. Republicans remain favored in South Carolina, but the battle to succeed Graham could feature several prominent GOP figures and trigger a scramble among potential candidates.

For now, attention is focused on who McMaster may appoint and who Republicans will select to carry the party's banner into November.

Read more on Newsweek

Jul 12, 2026 at 08:42 AM EDT

Graham was the last of the ‘Three Amigos’

Before Lindsey Graham became one of President Donald Trump's closest allies in Washington, he was best known as one of the Senate's famed "Three Amigos."

Alongside Arizona Republican John McCain and Connecticut independent Joe Lieberman, Graham formed a bipartisan friendship that became a fixture of U.S. politics. The trio frequently traveled together on overseas trips and shared hawkish foreign policy views, earning a reputation as some of the Senate's most outspoken voices on national security.

The nickname "Three Amigos" became so widely used that McCain himself embraced it. In 2017, after his brain cancer diagnosis, McCain shared a photo of the three men hiking together in Arizona, writing: "The three amigos together again!"

McCain died in 2018 at age 81. Lieberman died in 2024 at age 82. With Graham's death at 71, the last member of the once-inseparable trio is gone.

For years, the three senators appeared together at press conferences, on campaign trails and in conflict zones overseas, making the "Three Amigos" one of Capitol Hill's most enduring political partnerships.

Jul 12, 2026 at 08:08 AM EDT

Democratic rival calls Graham death a ‘tremendous loss’

South Carolina Democratic Senate nominee Dr. Annie Andrews paid tribute to Graham following news of the senator's death, calling it a "sudden and tremendous loss."

In a statement posted on social media, Andrews offered condolences to Graham's family, friends and staff, and praised his military and public service. "From his small-town South Carolina roots to the halls of the U.S. Senate, he was a man of great faith who proudly served our nation as a JAG officer and Air Force colonel," Andrews said.

Andrews also urged residents to "set partisanship aside" and join her in expressing gratitude for Graham's service to South Carolina and the nation.

Jul 12, 2026 at 07:53 AM EDT

Trump and Netanyahu expected on ‘Meet the Press,’ says host

NBC's Kristen Welker says President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be on Meet the Press this morning to discuss Graham's "life and legacy."

The South Carolina senator, who has died aged 71, was set to appear on the morning show today, in what would have been his 64th appearance, according to Welker.

Jul 12, 2026 at 07:41 AM EDT

Benjamin Netanyahu grieves loss of ‘dear friend’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also paid tribute to Graham, writing on X that "Sara and I grieve with the American people over the loss of our dear friend, Senator Lindsey Graham."

He wrote that he recently had said the U.S. senator was a "great friend of Israel and a cherished friend of mine," and that his country has "no better friend than Lindsey."

Netanyahu continued that Graham "understood that the security of Israel and America are inseparable," writing that Graham "devoted his life to defending America, strengthening our alliance and standing up for the free world. Israel has lost one of its greatest friends."

"America has lost a great patriot. I have lost a beloved friend. Our hearts are with Lindsey's family and with the American people at this difficult time. May his values and initiatives continue to guide us toward victory and peace, and may his memory forever be a blessing," he added.

Graham regularly travelled to Israel to meet with top Israeli officials, and was a vocal proponent of U.S. aid to Israel. His most recent visit had been in February, according to local news outlets.

Jul 12, 2026 at 06:40 AM EDT

CBS: 911 Call Mentioned Cardiac Arrest Before Graham’s Death

More details have emerged about the circumstances surrounding Graham's death, though officials have not yet released a cause of death.

According to CBS News, a recording of an emergency call placed Saturday evening to a residence belonging to the South Carolina Republican referenced a dispatch for a cardiac arrest.

CBS reported that no further details about Graham's death were immediately available.

The report also noted that Graham had been scheduled to appear on NBC's Meet the Press on Sunday, underscoring how unexpected his death appeared to be.

Jul 12, 2026 at 06:14 AM EDT

NATO leaders pay their respects

Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that “Estonia will remember him as a steadfast friend, a strong supporter of NATO’s eastern flank, and an unwavering advocate for Ukraine.”

Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs Baiba Braže said Graham was “among the strongest supporters of NATO and transatlantic relations [and] assistance to Ukraine in countering Russian aggression.”

“His commitment to the values of democracy, security, and international partnership earned him the respect and gratitude of many across Europe,” Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys said . “His voice will be missed, but his legacy will endure.”

Finnish President Alexander Stubb called Graham “a personal friend. A supporter of @NATO and Ukraine. A Transatlanticist. A friend of Finland.”

"Our link to South Carolina was a springboard for a great partnership. Not a week went by without an exchange of ideas," he added.

Jul 12, 2026 at 05:53 AM EDT

Graham’s last post on X

In his final post on X, the U.S. senator celebrated the news that the U.S. Coast Guard was awarded "historic funding" as part of the president's sweeping tax package, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

"Great news to see the continued investment in Coast Guard Base Charleston! As Chairman of the Senate @BudgetGOP Committee, I was glad to secure this historic funding for the Coast Guard as a part of the One Big Beautiful Bill," he wrote.

The U.S. Coast Guard had announced that it had been given a $230 million contract for new operational support facilities at Coast Guard Base Charleston, South Carolina, Graham's home state.

Jul 12, 2026 at 05:24 AM EDT

Zelensky on Graham: ‘I will miss our conversations’

Volodymyr Zelensky has paid tribute to Graham on social media, deeming him a "true defender of freedom." He wrote that he was "deeply saddened by the news" and that the senator was also a defender of "the values that make our world safer."

The Ukrainian president said that Graham had visited Ukraine 10 times during the years of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and that he was there "with our people when it was most needed."

"We remained in constant dialogue, and I will miss our conversations," Zelensky said, adding that they had met twice in the past week.

He went on to say that Graham was a "staunch advocate for bipartisan and bicameral support for Ukraine, in recent weeks, he had been working on important initiatives that could help bring peace closer, including stronger sanctions against Russia."

"We will always be especially grateful for the recognition of our people and words of admiration for the courage of Ukraine’s defenders. America and the world have lost a determined leader," he added. "Our condolences go out to Lindsey’s family, loved ones, and everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him."

Graham was a steadfast advocate for Ukraine, frequently traveling to Kyiv to reaffirm Congressional backing and pushing for robust military assistance to aid in the country's defense.

In his most recent trip to the country, Graham was working on a version of the Russia sanctions bill, legislation that would impose primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. He had also recently got the White House on board with the proposal.

Jul 12, 2026 at 04:59 AM EDT

Former Ukraine president pays tribute

Former President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko wrote in a post on X: "It is with great sorrow that I learned of the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham. He was a great friend of Ukraine and one of the strongest supporters of our country. For him, supporting Ukraine was not only a matter of policy, but a personal mission. His unwavering commitment, courage, and leadership will be remembered with deep gratitude by the Ukrainian people. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and to the American people."

Poroshenko is served as the fifth president of Ukraine from 2014 to 2019, and also previously served as the country's Minister of Foreign Affairs and as the Minister of Trade and Economic Development.

Days before the announcement, Graham had been in Ukraine to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who acknowledged the senator’s 10th visit to the country and thanked him for “recognizing our warriors.”

Jul 12, 2026 at 04:53 AM EDT

Graham’s political career, relationship with Trump

Graham was born in Seneca, South Carolina, on July 9, 1955. He attended the University of South Carolina and then went into the military for several years.

After leaving the military, he was elected to the House of Representatives, representing South Carolina's 3rd District, and then was elected to the Senate in 2002.

Despite clashing with Donald Trump in 2016, criticizing him as “unfit for office," Graham later emerged as one of Trump’s top allies, speaking with him frequently and becoming a regular presence on the golf course alongside the president.

He once described himself as Trump's "north star," in an interview with NBC News, saying that while they "disagree," the president "knows where I am coming from. He sees me helping him as much as anybody in the Senate.”

Graham especially advised the president on foreign policy matters such as Iran and Russia, and had just announced an agreement on Friday with the Trump administration to move forward on a package of Russia sanctions.

Graham also served as the chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, where he oversaw a process called reconciliation, a Senate procedure that allowed Republicans to pass significant policies such as last year’s tax law without the threat of a Democratic filibuster.

Jul 12, 2026 at 04:14 AM EDT

John Thune mourns ‘friend and colleague’

Senate Majority Leader John Thune took to social media to pay tribute to Graham, who he said was both his "friend and colleague."

His full post read : "My heart is heavy this morning to learn of the passing of my friend and colleague, Senator Lindsey Graham.

"Lindsey’s long and dedicated service in the Air Force and in Congress carried him to far-flung regions of the world. He was a strong advocate for the United States and a strong ally to freedom-loving countries across the globe. He believed in the might of America to achieve good in the world and dedicated his life to advancing that cause.

"As South Carolina’s senior senator, Lindsey fought passionately for the Palmetto State. He was a trusted adviser and colleague to me and many others, and numerous presidents and heads of state have relied on his counsel. His influence on the federal judiciary, our national defense, and his beloved South Carolina will be felt for generations.

"Kimberley and I pray for Lindsey’s friends and family, and we send our heartfelt condolences during this most difficult time."

Jul 12, 2026 at 03:57 AM EDT

Tributes pour in from Republican lawmakers

U.S. Senator for Utah Mike Lee wrote in a post on X on Sunday morning: "My heart is heavy upon learning of the passing of my friend and colleague, South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham. My prayers are with his family and all who knew and loved him. I loved serving with Lindsey and will miss his infectious laugh, quick wit, and enthusiasm for life."

The office of Arizona Representative Abe Hamadeh wrote : “I am saddened by the tragic loss of Senator Lindsey Graham. From his early days in the Air Force through his many years in the United States Senate, he devoted himself fully to public service. Having had the privilege to meet him and work with him, I can personally attest to his strong character and tireless work ethic. He will be dearly missed. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, staff, and the people of South Carolina."

Florida Representative Carlos Gimenez wrote : "Deeply saddened by the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham. He leaves behind a legacy of dedicated public service, a commitment to national security, and an unwavering fight for freedom. Lourdes & I are praying for his family and loved ones. May he rest in peace."

Jul 12, 2026 at 03:43 AM EDT

Trump pays tribute to ‘true American Patriot’

In a post on Truth Social, President Donald Trump described Graham as "one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known" and praised his years of public service.

"He was always working, and was a true American Patriot," Trump wrote. "Lindsey will be greatly missed!!!"

Graham, a longtime ally of Trump, became one of the president's closest supporters in the Senate after initially opposing his 2016 presidential campaign. The two worked closely on foreign policy, judicial nominations and national security issues.

Trump said additional details and arrangements would be announced later, adding: "So sad!"

Jul 12, 2026 at 03:28 AM EDT

Lindsey Graham was in Kyiv days before his death, Zelensky says

Graham was in Kyiv on Friday meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky just days before his death was announced.

In a post on X Friday, Zelensky said he held a "good meeting" with the South Carolina Republican, noting it was Graham's 10th visit to Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion.

The two discussed sanctions on Russia, Ukraine's air defense needs and efforts to strengthen Kyiv's battlefield position. Zelensky said Graham briefed him on sanctions legislation being considered in Congress.

Graham was one of the strongest supporters of U.S. aid to Ukraine in the Senate and made repeated trips to the country throughout the war.

Jul 12, 2026 at 03:02 AM EDT

Israeli leaders mourn Lindsey Graham as ‘great friend’ of Israel

Israeli political leaders paid tribute to Graham following news of the South Carolina Republican's death, remembering him as one of Israel's strongest allies in Washington and a steadfast supporter during times of conflict.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog said he was "shocked and heartbroken" by Graham's death, describing the senator as "a great American patriot, a great friend of Israel, and my dear friend."

"Senator Graham was a beacon of moral clarity and a true leader of the U.S.-Israel partnership," Herzog wrote. "We will never forget how he stood by the people of Israel in our most difficult moments."

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz also praised Graham's long record of support for the Jewish state, calling him "one of its strongest and most steadfast supporters."

Katz highlighted Graham's frequent visits to Israel following the October 7 Hamas attack, saying the senator repeatedly traveled to the country during one of the darkest periods in its history.

"Senator Graham stood with Israel in its most difficult moments, worked tirelessly to strengthen the strategic alliance between Israel and the United States, and was an unwavering voice in support of Israel's security and its right to defend itself," Katz said.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett called Graham "one of Israel's greatest friends."

"Lindsey stood with Israel through our darkest hours, with courage," Bennett wrote, adding that America had lost "a devoted patriot."

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir similarly described Graham as one of Israel's greatest friends, saying the senator's "unwavering support, courage, and moral clarity earned him the admiration of millions of Israelis."

"The State of Israel will always remember his friendship, his unwavering support, and his steadfast commitment to Israel's security," Ben-Gvir said.

Jul 12, 2026 at 02:54 AM EDT

Henry McMaster pays tribute

One of the first major political figures to react to Lindsey Graham's death was South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, who praised the senator's decades of service to the Palmetto State and the country.

Jul 12, 2026 at 02:51 AM EDT

Read the statement from Graham’s office in full

The senator's office released the following statement on X in the past hour.

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