Senator Lindsey Graham, firm Israel advocate, dies at 71 following brief sudden illness

The South Carolina Republican, aged 71, served as a leading voice in his party. He started as a critic of President Donald Trump but shifted to become one of his strongest backers.

Senator Lindsey Graham speaks at the David Kempinski hotel in Tel Aviv, February 16, 2026.

(photo credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/MAARIV)

ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF, REUTERS

JULY 12, 2026 09:12

Updated: JULY 12, 2026 10:54

US Senator Lindsey Graham, known as a firm supporter of Israel, died Saturday evening after a short and unexpected illness, according to a statement from his office communications director posted on social media early Sunday.

"Senator Graham's family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period," the statement read.

Emergency responders answered a report of cardiac arrest at Graham's residence Saturday night, based on police scanner recordings obtained by NBC News.

Images examined by NBC News showed paramedics transporting an individual on a stretcher from the home into a waiting ambulance, with police vehicles and fire trucks present at the scene.

Lindsey Graham's recent visit to Kyiv

On Friday, Graham noted that China could hold a key position in urging Russia to enter peace negotiations and conclude its conflict in Ukraine. As a regular visitor to the country, Graham met with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv to review Ukraine's air defense requirements and a proposed sanctions measure targeting Russia.

Graham emphasized that strengthening Ukraine's defenses while coordinating sanctions with diplomatic efforts might push Moscow toward discussions.

"The road to ending this war, the road to peace, passes through Beijing more than it does through Washington, Kyiv, or Moscow," Graham told reporters at Kyiv's Mykhailivska Square. "China has an oversized influence. I'd like them to use their influence for the good of the world."

"I don't believe Russian President Vladimir Putin is there yet, but it wouldn't take much to get him there."

Graham's early life, career, and entry into politics

Graham, 71, served as a leading Republican senator representing South Carolina. He began his career as a critic of President Donald Trump but later emerged as one of his most reliable allies in Congress.

Born in 1955 in Central, South Carolina, where his parents operated a restaurant and pool hall, Graham became the first in his family to complete an undergraduate degree. At the time of his passing he was unmarried and resided in Seneca, South Carolina.

Graham won election to the US Senate in 2002. Prior to that he served in the US House of Representatives after winning a seat in 1994 for South Carolina's third congressional district.

In 1995 Graham enlisted in the US Air Force Reserves. He applied his background in military law during US operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

He concluded his service in the Air Force Reserves in June 2015 after 33 years in uniform, retiring at the rank of Colonel.

Graham secured reelection to the Senate in 2008, 2014, and 2020.