Medical examiner cites aortic dissection in Graham's death
Preliminary findings released by Lindsey Graham’s office said the senator died from an aorta rupture linked to hardened arteries.
By Maya Lindqvist · Senior Technology Correspondent
3 min read
Sen. Lindsey Graham died after an aortic dissection tied to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, according to preliminary findings from the District of Columbia medical examiner released by Graham’s office. The death of the 71-year-old South Carolina Republican leaves open a Senate seat he held for more than two decades and removes one of President Donald Trump’s closest congressional allies.
Graham’s office said earlier Sunday that he had died Saturday night after a “brief and sudden illness.” The statement said his family asked for privacy and appreciated prayers, but it did not initially give further details about the circumstances.
In a later statement, Graham’s office said the medical examiner’s early findings pointed to aortic dissection caused by arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The Associated Press described that as a rupture of the aorta stemming from hardening of Graham’s arteries.
Trump, speaking on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” said Graham had called him Saturday night after returning from Ukraine and “sounded a little bit tired, but perfect.” Trump said Graham was “like a member of the family” and ordered U.S. flags flown at half-staff until Saturday evening, according to the Associated Press.
Graham, a former Air Force lawyer, was elected to the Senate in 2002 after serving in the House. The Associated Press reported that he became one of Washington’s most prominent voices for an assertive U.S. foreign policy, often traveling abroad and pressing for a strong U.S. role in conflicts involving Russia, Iran and the Middle East.
He had just visited Ukraine, where President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Graham had traveled 10 times since Russia’s February 2022 invasion, according to the Associated Press. On Friday, Graham announced an agreement with the Trump administration to advance a Russia sanctions package.
Graham also held major power inside the Senate. As chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, he helped Republicans move major legislation through a chamber where they held a 53-47 majority, according to the Associated Press. He had previously chaired the Judiciary Committee when Republicans confirmed Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court in 2020.
His relationship with Trump shifted sharply over the past decade. Graham briefly ran against Trump for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination and criticized him during that campaign, but later became a frequent adviser and defender of Trump, including during the president’s first-term impeachments, according to the Associated Press.
Graham was seeking a fifth term in November. South Carolina law gives Republican Gov. Henry McMaster the power to appoint a temporary successor, while a special primary must be held within weeks of the vacancy, according to the Associated Press. The winner of the November general election will begin a full six-year Senate term in January.
The Associated Press reported that possible Republican replacements being discussed included Reps. Nancy Mace and Russell Fry. Graham had won 57% of the vote in South Carolina’s June Republican primary and was set to face Democrat Annie Andrews, a pediatrician, along with minor-party and independent candidates.
Lawmakers from both parties described Graham as a force in the Senate. Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois said Graham was involved in every major policy issue and played a key role in bipartisan talks, while Republican Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming cited his humor and laughter, according to the Associated Press.
This story draws on original reporting from Fortune.