WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Office of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham announced Sunday morning that the longtime South Carolina senator died Saturday evening following a brief and sudden illness.
In a statement released by his office, Graham’s family said:
“On the evening of Saturday, July 11, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham passed away from a brief and sudden illness. Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period.”
The announcement came just hours after what had been an active week of public work highlighting South Carolina investments, economic initiatives, meetings with local leaders, and national security legislation.
Among his final legislative priorities was a bipartisan effort to strengthen sanctions against Russia. Graham joined Senators Richard Blumenthal, Jeanne Shaheen and Roger Wicker in announcing they had reached an agreement with the Trump Administration to advance updated Russia sanctions legislation.
The senators said the proposal would create additional tools to impose significant economic consequences on countries purchasing Russian oil and natural gas, arguing that such purchases continue to fund Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Closer to home, Graham celebrated a major federal investment in South Carolina’s military infrastructure after the U.S. Coast Guard awarded a $230 million design-build contract for new operational support facilities at Coast Guard Base Charleston. The project represents the latest phase of more than $440 million in planned improvements.
Graham credited the funding to the recently enacted One Big Beautiful Bill, noting his role as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee in helping secure the historic investment.
He also promoted another provision of the legislation known as Trump Accounts, encouraging South Carolina families with newborns to begin investing in their children’s futures through the new savings program.
Throughout the week, Graham remained engaged with local officials across South Carolina.
He met with leaders from Summerville and Dorchester County, discussing community priorities and continued federal support for public safety funding. He also met with officials from Berkeley County, one of the state’s fastest-growing regions, to discuss infrastructure, growth, and maintaining the county’s quality of life.
The senator also encouraged residents and visitors to experience South Carolina’s exhibit at the Great American State Fair, celebrating the state’s culture and tourism as the nation marks America’s 250th anniversary.
Earlier in the month, Graham reflected on the first anniversary of the One Big Beautiful Bill, describing it as the largest tax cut for working and middle-class families in American history and expressing pride in helping lead the legislation through Congress.
For more than three decades, Graham represented South Carolina in Washington, serving first in the U.S. House of Representatives before being elected to the U.S. Senate in 2002. Over the years, he became one of the nation’s most recognizable Republican voices on national security, defense, the federal judiciary and foreign policy.
His final week in public office reflected many of the priorities that defined his career: strengthening South Carolina’s military installations, working with local communities, advancing economic legislation, and pursuing bipartisan national security initiatives abroad.
Additional information regarding funeral arrangements and succession is expected to be announced by Graham’s office and South Carolina state officials.
